Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 NFL game-by-game predictions (2024)

So, now that the NFL schedule has officially been released, here comes the fun (and ultimately meaningless) exercise that everyone can partake in: predictions.

Will the Dallas Cowboys win 12 games for the fourth season in a row? Or will an “all-in” offseason that didn’t meet expectations result in a regular season that’s also below expectations? Watch for a quick start, a lull and then a big rally.

Here are game-by-game predictions for Dallas’ 2024 regular season schedule.

Week 1 (Sept. 8): at Cleveland

The Cowboys are heading to Cleveland for the season opener. The Browns made the playoffs last season, but that was after Joe Flacco came to town and led them to four wins in their final five games of the season. Deshaun Watson is back at quarterback. Is that necessarily a good thing? I think Prescott out duels Watson and gives Dallas the edge. Win

Week 2 (Sept. 15): vs. New Orleans, noon

The Saints have been plagued by salary cap issues for a while. It’s resulted in a roster that doesn’t necessarily instill a lot of fear. I think Dallas rolls in this one. Win

Week 3 (Sept. 22): vs. Baltimore

The reigning MVP comes to Dallas. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are Super Bowl contenders, once again. For good reason. Beating the Ravens would be a huge signal to the rest of the NFL about Dallas’ chances. As of now, though, I wouldn’t bet on it. Loss

Week 4 (Sept. 26): at New York Giants, Thursday Night Football

The Cowboys went to Metlife Stadium last season and pummeled the Giants, 40-0, setting the tone not only for their season, but also for New York’s. It wouldn’t be smart to predict a rout of that magnitude for the second season in a row, but Dallas should still be a heavy favorite. Win

Week 5 (Oct. 6): at Pittsburgh, Sunday Night Football

For most teams, the success, or lack thereof, they have is based on the play of the quarterback position. That’s not really the case for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers. Will Russell Wilson be the starter when the Cowboys head there? Should be interesting, but I’m not sure it’ll be the difference. Patrick Queen, Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt will make things difficult for Dak and the Cowboys. Loss

Week 6 (Oct. 13): vs. Detroit

This one was one of the best games of the year last season, even if it was shrouded in a two-point controversy and an eligible player fiasco. Will the Lions get revenge in this potential playoff preview? I think they do. Loss

Week 7 (Oct. 20): Bye Week

Week 8 (Oct. 27): at San Francisco

Another season, another test with San Francisco. The 49ers have won each of the last three season against the Cowboys, including two playoff games. Will San Francisco make it four in a row? Or will this measuring stick game for Dallas actually show a Cowboys team ready to make a deep playoff run? I think the 49ers are too talented to beat at home this time around. Loss

Week 9 (Nov. 3): at Atlanta

The Falcons had an interesting off-season. They added Kirk Cousins to a major deal, only to use a top-10 pick on a quarterback. Cousins will be the guy. Can he be the guy that takes Atlanta’s talented weapons to the next level? Probably. But Dallas wins this shootout. Win

Week 10 (Nov. 10): vs. Philadelphia

Dallas had an impressive win over the eagles at home last year. I think they do it again versus Jalen Hurts and Co. The next time they face them though…? Win

Week 11 (Nov. 18): vs. Houston, Monday Night Football

C.J. Stroud and the Texans impressed last season. They added more weapons in the off-season by acquiring Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. They look like a team ready to compete for an AFC title, but will they win the battle of Texas in 2024? I think the Cowboys continue to play well at home, cooling off Stroud and the upstart Texans. Win

Week 12 (Nov. 24): at Washington

Hello, old friend. The Cowboys head to Washington to see former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (and a host of other former Cowboys). There has been some weirdness for Dallas in D.C., but this time I think they prevail. Win

Week 13 (Nov. 28, Thanksgiving): vs. New York Giants

The Cowboys get the Giants on Thanksgiving. Just like the first matchup, I think it’s a feast for Dallas. Win

Week 14 (Dec. 9): vs. Cincinnati, Monday Night Football

Joe Burrow has emerged as one of the league’s best quarterbacks, even if Cincinnati finished just 9-8 a season ago. They also lost running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Tyler Boyd this off-season, while defensive end Trey Hendrickson and wide receiever Tee Higgins still have active trade requests. Dallas getting the Bengals at home is a plus. Win

Week 15 (Dec. 15): at Carolina

Bryce Young will have a new head coach and a new offense in Year No. 2. I don’t think it that’s enough to help out a Panthers team that was one of the worst in the NFL last season. I think the Panthers, just like last season, are ultimately no match for the high-powered Cowboys. Win

Week 16 (Dec. 22): vs. Tampa Bay

Baker Mayfield is having a career resurgence in Tampa Bay. The Bucs were also able to keep Mike Evans, who can probably be penciled in for another 1,000-yard season this year. Tampa is talented, but as of now, I don’t expect them to come into Dallas and leave with a win. Win

Week 17 (Dec. 29): at Philadelphia

The Cowboys were close to leaving Philadelphia with a win last season. Will this year be any different? It won’t be easy to stop Saquon Barkley and the Eagles, who aim to re-take the NFC East crown. In this instance, I think that difficulty ultimately prevails with Barkley being the x-factor. Loss

Week 18 (TBD): at Washington

The Cowboys head back to the place where they sealed a NFC East crown last season. Things can sometimes get weird in D.C. for Dallas, but this time they don’t. Cowboys hand their old friend Dan Quinn a home loss. Win