If you’re a fan of either of these teams, you don't just circle the calendar. You basically carve the dates into your soul. The NFC East is a mess of a division in the best way possible, and honestly, the tension between North Texas and the City of Brotherly Love is the only thing that keeps some NFL Sundays alive. You're here because you need the specifics. You need to know when do the cowboys play the eagles so you can plan your life, your trash-talking, and maybe your blood pressure medication.
The 2025-2026 NFL cycle has been a wild ride. As we hit the stretch for the 2026 postseason, the rivalry is at a fever pitch. If you missed the first meeting, you missed a slugfest. But the rematch? That’s where the season usually lives or dies.
The Schedule Breakdown: When Do the Cowboys Play the Eagles This Season?
NFL scheduling is a bit of a science, but for these two, it’s about primetime eyeballs. The league loves putting Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts in front of a national audience because the ratings are, quite frankly, absurd.
For the 2025 season (concluding now in early 2026), the teams already split their traditional home-and-home series. The first matchup took place in November at AT&T Stadium. It was one of those games where the "Big Jerry" screen seemed to be the only thing working for Dallas early on. Then, the rematch happened at Lincoln Financial Field in December.
But here is the kicker: when do the cowboys play the eagles next?
Unless they meet in the Divisional or Championship round of the 2026 playoffs—which is looking statistically likely given the current seeding—you are looking at the 2026-2027 season opener or mid-season slots. Typically, the NFL releases the official schedule for the next year in May. However, we already know the opponents. Because of the way the NFL rotation works, the Cowboys and Eagles are guaranteed to play twice every single year. One game in Arlington. One game in Philly.
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Usually, the first meeting happens between Week 6 and Week 9. The second is almost always a late-season "flex" candidate, appearing between Week 14 and Week 18. This is intentional. The NFL wants the division title to be decided when the weather is cold and the stakes are high.
Why This Rivalry Is Genuinely Different Right Now
Most rivalries are built on history. This one is built on current, visceral dislike. It’s not just the fans throwing snowballs or batteries; it’s the roster construction.
Philly has leaned heavily into the "tush push" (or Brotherly Shove, depending on who you ask) and a powerhouse offensive line that seems to regenerate every three years. Dallas, meanwhile, has been playing a high-wire act with massive contracts and a "win now" mandate that feels like it’s been active for a decade.
The Quarterback Narrative
Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott are essentially the two poles of the NFC. Dak is the veteran who has seen it all, put up the massive stats, but constantly deals with the "can he win the big one?" chatter. Hurts is the stoic, dual-threat weapon who changed how the Eagles move the chains.
When you ask when do the cowboys play the eagles, you’re really asking when these two styles of play are going to collide. It’s the precision of the Cowboys' passing game against the sheer physical force of the Eagles' run game.
The Logistics of Gameday: Planning Your Trip
If you’re heading to Philly, wear green or wear nothing. Just kidding. Sorta. Lincoln Financial Field is a temple of intensity. If you’re a Cowboys fan heading into the Linc, expect a warm welcome consisting mostly of creative adjectives you won't find in a dictionary.
- Getting to the Linc: Use the SEPTA Broad Street Line. It’s cheap. It’s fast. It’s packed with people who have been tailgating since 8:00 AM.
- AT&T Stadium (Jerry World): It’s a different vibe. It’s a spectacle. You’re going to spend a fortune on parking unless you’re willing to walk a mile from a random lot near Globe Life Field.
The atmosphere in Arlington is more "event-focused." The atmosphere in Philly is more "gladiator-pit." Both are bucket-list experiences for any football fan.
Historical Context: More Than Just a Game
We can't talk about when do the cowboys play the eagles without mentioning the "Bounty Bowl" or the time Michael Irvin's career ended at Veterans Stadium. Those scars haven't healed for the older generation of fans.
The series is incredibly close. Historically, Dallas leads the all-time series, but the 21st century has been a back-and-forth war. Since 2000, the divisional titles have mostly bounced between these two, with the Giants and Commanders occasionally crashing the party.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-2027 Season
Since we are currently in the 2026 calendar year, the speculation for the next schedule is already starting. Experts like Adam Schefter and local beat writers are hinting that the NFL might use the Dallas-Philly matchup as a Season Opener or a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Imagine the ratings.
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The Cowboys are a staple of Thanksgiving Day. While they usually play a rotating AFC or NFC opponent, there has been a growing push to make the Eagles the permanent Thanksgiving guest. Philly fans hate the idea because they want to stay home; Dallas fans love it because it’s a tradition.
What the Oddsmakers Think
Vegas usually sets the line for these games months in advance. Interestingly, the home team has held a significant advantage in this specific rivalry over the last five years. Winning on the road in the NFC East is notoriously difficult.
When the schedule drops in May 2026, watch the "Strength of Schedule" metrics. If Dallas has to play Philly after a short week (like a Monday Night game), the advantage swings wildly toward the Eagles. These are the small details that matter for people who care about more than just the final score.
Tactics and Matchups to Watch
When these teams finally meet, keep an eye on the trench warfare. The Eagles’ defensive front is designed specifically to make Dak Prescott uncomfortable. They don't just want to sack him; they want to move him off his spot.
On the flip side, the Cowboys' defense, led by playmakers like Micah Parsons, is built for speed. They want to chase Jalen Hurts to the sidelines. It’s a chess match played by giants.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Don't wait for the week of the game to get your life in order. This rivalry requires preparation.
- Download the Official NFL App: Set alerts for "Schedule Release." It usually happens the second Thursday in May. You’ll get a notification the second the dates for when do the cowboys play the eagles are finalized.
- Book Hotels Early: If you plan on traveling to Philly or Arlington, book a refundable hotel room the moment the schedule drops. Prices triple within three hours of the announcement.
- Secondary Market Strategy: If you’re buying tickets on SeatGeek or StubHub, wait until about 48 hours before kickoff if you’re a gambler. Prices often dip as resellers get desperate. If you’re a "must-be-there" person, buy in July.
- Check the Flex Schedule: Remember that starting in Week 12, the NFL can move Sunday games to Sunday Night Football. Just because the schedule says the game is at 1:00 PM doesn't mean it will stay there. Keep your Sunday evening clear.
The rivalry isn't just about the 60 minutes on the clock. It's about the months of waiting, the years of history, and the sheer audacity of two fanbases believing they are the center of the football universe. Whether the game is in the heat of September or the frozen tundra of a Philly January, it remains the biggest ticket in the NFC East.
Keep your eyes on the NFL's official announcement in May 2026 for the exact dates and kickoff times for the 2026-2027 season. Until then, keep the trash talk respectful but frequent.