Dallas Cowboys Schedule: Week 2 Showdown vs. Commanders Looms
The Dallas Cowboys are set to host the Washington Commanders on Sunday, September 20, at 8:25 PM UTC (FOX) in a critical Week 2 NFC East matchup. Both teams enter the game at 0-1, making this an early-season must-win for Dallas, which fell to the New York Giants 20-28 in its season opener on Monday, September 14. The Cowboys will look to avoid an 0-2 start as they debut at home in 2026.
According to their official schedule, Dallas opened the season on the road against the Giants and now returns to AT&T Stadium for a prime-time divisional clash. The Commanders, also 0-1, present a familiar foe: this will be the 133rd all-time meeting between the franchises, with Dallas holding an 81-49-2 series lead.
Sunday's game kicks off a challenging stretch for the Cowboys. Following Washington, Dallas hosts the Baltimore Ravens on September 27 (CBS/Paramount+, 8:25 PM UTC) before traveling to face the Houston Texans on October 4 (FOX, 5:00 PM UTC). The Ravens game could be impacted by field conditions, per reports, adding another layer of intrigue to the early schedule.
Key Matchups and Storylines
The Cowboys' defense will be under scrutiny after the Giants exposed communication issues in Week 1. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker is expected to make adjustments, particularly with two defensive starters listed as sidelined on Friday's injury report. The Commanders, meanwhile, see an opportunity to send Dallas to 0-2 and secure a crucial divisional road win.
Offensively, Dak Prescott has historically dominated Washington. Since becoming QB1, Prescott-led Cowboys teams have gone 15-5 against the Commanders, with only two of those losses coming in games he started. That stat has fueled optimism in Dallas, though Washington's confidence is rising entering the matchup.
Fantasy football managers are also eyeing this game, with start/sit decisions revolving around Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and kicker Brandon Aubrey. The Cowboys made two practice squad elevations for Week 2, as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown remains out.
Full Dallas Cowboys 2026 Schedule
Upcoming Games
- Sun Sep 20 vs. Washington Commanders – FOX, 8:25 PM UTC
- Sun Sep 27 vs. Baltimore Ravens – CBS/Paramount+, 8:25 PM UTC
- Sun Oct 4 @ Houston Texans – FOX, 5:00 PM UTC
- Fri Oct 9 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Amazon Prime Video, 12:15 AM UTC
- Mon Oct 19 @ Green Bay Packers – NBC/Peacock, 12:20 AM UTC
- Tue Oct 27 @ Philadelphia Eagles – ABC/ESPN, 12:15 AM UTC
- Sun Nov 1 vs. Arizona Cardinals – FOX, 6:00 PM UTC
- Sun Nov 8 @ Indianapolis Colts – FOX, 6:00 PM UTC
- Sun Nov 15 vs. San Francisco 49ers – FOX, 9:25 PM UTC
- Sun Nov 22 vs. Tennessee Titans – FOX, 6:00 PM UTC
- Thu Nov 26 vs. Philadelphia Eagles – FOX, 9:30 PM UTC (Thanksgiving)
- Tue Dec 8 @ Seattle Seahawks – ABC/ESPN, 1:15 AM UTC
- Sun Dec 20 @ Los Angeles Rams – CBS, 9:25 PM UTC
- Mon Dec 28 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – NBC/Peacock, 1:20 AM UTC
- Sun Jan 3 vs. New York Giants – FOX, 6:00 PM UTC
Completed Games
- Mon Sep 14 @ New York Giants – L 20-28
Context: Why This Week Matters
Dallas's 0-1 start has heightened pressure on head coach Brian Schottenheimer and his staff. The Cowboys' season hangs in the balance in Week 2, per analysts, as a loss to Washington would drop them to 0-2 with a tough Ravens team looming. Historically, Dallas has dominated this rivalry, but recent meetings have been more competitive. The Commanders' confidence meter is rising, and they see a vulnerable Cowboys defense that struggled against the Giants.
Off the field, the Cowboys have dealt with minor distractions, including a viral exchange between Parker and rookie Jaishawn Barham that Schottenheimer downplayed. On the field, the offensive line has been a bright spot, with Cooper Beebe earning praise for an elite performance in the opener.
Perspective: Rivalry Renewed, Playoff Hopes on the Line
The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry, now in its 67th season, remains one of the NFL's most lopsided. Dallas's 63.1% winning percentage against Washington is among its best against any opponent. The Cowboys' modern dominance began in 1997 and continued through the Dak Prescott era, though Washington has shown signs of closing the gap.
A win Sunday would not only even Dallas's record but also reinforce its historical edge and calm early-season doubts. A loss, however, would mark the first 0-2 start since 2020 and intensify scrutiny on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. For Washington, a victory would signal a potential shift in the NFC East hierarchy.
As the Cowboys navigate a grueling schedule that includes five prime-time games and a Thanksgiving matchup against Philadelphia, the Week 2 result could set the tone for their entire season. For now, all eyes are on Sunday's clash at AT&T Stadium, where Dallas hopes to avoid an 0-2 hole and reassert its dominance over its longtime rival.
For more NFL coverage, see our analysis of the NDSU Football Stuns No. 3 South Dakota State 24-21 on Last-Second Field Goal.
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