Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Dallas Cowboys face fourth-hardest 2026 schedule, 28k miles

5/17/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Dallas Cowboys received their 2026 schedule, which ranks as the fourth-hardest slate in the NFL and gives a net rest differential of +11.
The schedule features seven 2025 playoff teams and forces the Cowboys to travel 27,980 miles, more than all but three NFL teams.
The Cowboys have six primetime games, half on six-day or shorter rests, and a Week 14 bye providing a mid-season break.

History

Historical Context

In 1978 the NFL lengthened its regular season from 14 to 16 games and added two wild-card playoff spots, increasing travel demands; teams like the Cowboys logged about 12,000 miles that year. The 2026 Cowboys schedule, facing seven 2025 playoff teams, projects 27,980 travel miles and only an +11 net rest advantage, echoing the strain first seen after the 1978 expansion.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Dallas Cowboys received their 2026 schedule, which ranks as the fourth-hardest slate in the NFL and gives a net rest differential of +11.
The schedule features seven 2025 playoff teams and forces the Cowboys to travel 27,980 miles, more than all but three NFL teams.
The Cowboys have six primetime games, half on six-day or shorter rests, and a Week 14 bye providing a mid-season break.

1 / 2