The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2018 regular season with a 10-6 record. That was good enough for them to not only make the postseason but to win the NFC East division.

However, they were bounced from the playoffs in the Divisional Round.

It's a new season now though. On Wednesday, the NFL released the official schedules of all the teams in the league.

The Cowboys will be attempting to repeat as NFC East Champions and look to establish themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

With that in mind, there are some games you should circle on your calendar. What match-ups are must-watch for the Dallas Cowboys?

5. Buffalo Bills (Week 13 – Thanksgiving Day Game)

Frank Gore

Admittedly, the Buffalo Bills doesn't sound like the matchup anyone should be all that excited about. Sure, they have potential to make some waves this year – but that's about it.

Especially considering other matchups in the Dallas Cowboys schedule (like the Chicago Bears or divisional rivals like the Washington Redskins or New York Giants) this doesn't seem like a “top-5 must-watch”.

The simple reason is that it's a Thanksgiving Day game though. Those are special. There are only three games that day – and who doesn't want to eat turkey and watch football?

It should also be mentioned that this is a special type of “prime-time” game. Anything can happen. Don't rule out an upset – the Bills could surprise you.

4. New Orleans Saints (Week 4)

Drew Brees, Saints
CP

The New Orleans Saints were tied for the best record in the NFL with a 13-3 mark in 2018. However, one of their three losses were to the Dallas Cowboys. They'll be seeking revenge.

This is also an early-season game (happening in Week 4). That means teams will still be finding their 2019 identity. No one will be established at that point.

The Saints will be on the warpath to make another deep playoff run – especially after how their season ended. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will be looking to improve on the positives of last season and show the NFL that it's just the beginning.

A Week 4 win against New Orleans would go a long way to establishing themselves as one of the best legitimate teams in the NFL.

The Saints are one of the most dangerous teams the Cowboys will face in 2019. This could be a game that jump-starts the season for Dallas – a blowout could derail it though.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (Weeks 7 and 16)

Carson Wentz, Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are the only NFC East opponent on this list. Technically, all division rival games could be considered must-watch. However, the Eagles are clearly the top opponent this year.

Last season the Eagles went 9-7, one game behind the Dallas Cowboys. They were the only other NFC East team to not only make the playoffs but to finish the year with a winning record.

Their first matchup is in Week 7. While that will obviously have a lot of implications in the division – it's their final matchup that's most intriguing.

The two teams will meet for the second time in Week 16. At that point, there's a very good chance the Cowboys and Eagles find themselves wrapped up in a tight race.

This game could determine the division – it will likely demand a lot of eyes on it.

2. Los Angeles Rams (Week 15)

Todd Gurley, Rams

As mentioned before, the Saints were tied for the best record in the NFL last year. Their 13-3 mark was matched only by the Los Angeles Rams.

The Dallas Cowboys didn't play the Rams in the regular season though. While they beat the Saints in the regular season – they played and lost to Los Angeles in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Once again the Rams are expected to be one of the best teams in the NFL. The Cowboys will be looking for revenge.

More importantly, it's a late-season game. If the Cowboys are in the playoff hunt at that point, this would be a major game. A tough matchup in Week 15 could result in a loss that hurts their postseason aspirations.

A win, however, could be the thing to energize Dallas late in the season and get them into the right mindset for the playoffs. It would also help to prove they are a team to be taken seriously.

1. New England Patriots (Week 12)

Tom Brady, Patriots

 

The defending Super Bowl champions. Could it have been anyone else in the number one spot?

Sure, you could argue that some games will be more exciting to watch. The Dallas Cowboys didn't even play the New England Patriots last year. Meanwhile, they squared off with teams 4-2 on this list at some point last season.

Then there are other 2019 opponents like divisional games. You could definitely argue they'll be intriguing enough for a spot on this list – and obviously, they have history with Dallas.

It's hard to not consider the defending Super Bowl champions as the most must-watch game for a team that will be gunning for the Lombardi trophy themselves.

Like the games against the Saints and Rams, this will be a chance for the Cowboys to prove they belong that they're a legitimate contender.

It would also prove they can hang with the Patriots – who have been the toast of the NFL since 2000.

If the Dallas Cowboys want to be taken as a serious Super Bowl contender – they'll need a few statement wins. What better statement than defeating the defending Super Bowl champions?