The Thanksgiving Day game for the Dallas Cowboys has always been a staple of the schedule for six decades. The matchups for the Cowboys have varied over the years, from big-name opponents to continued rivalries with NFC East opponents.
Last season, it was the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes. That was important for playoff implications that were later torn apart, but it more than likely won't be as important as this year's Thanksgiving matchup. The Cowboys are all set to face arguably their biggest divisional rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, in what is expected to be a game for the ages.
That is, if both teams live up to the hype during the regular season. Not only is it a battle between two teams that have experienced some incredible head-to-head moments, but this Thanksgiving game could very well decide the NFC East division crown. While Thanksgiving is always a high-stakes game for the Cowboys, the 2026 edition is the biggest one seen in years.
The Cowboys-Eagles Thanksgiving Day matchup may be the most important game of 2026
This is a very meaningful game on the Cowboys' schedule, and it's on a day many consider the Cowboys' holiday, simply because the organization has been part of a Thanksgiving tradition. Cowboys-Eagles is always highly anticipated, and this matchup will be the second of the two this season.
The Cowboys first face the Eagles in Week 7 on the road on Monday Night Football, wrapping up the daunting start of the schedule. Given Thanksgiving is the home game at AT&T Stadium, it offers even more value as a must-win for Dallas. The Thanksgiving game is in Week 12 and is the last of a three-game home-stand in November.
The Cowboys would be coming off what should be an easier game against the Tennessee Titans the week before, which should help with the short turnaround. The NFC East race has generally been close, and the outcome of this game could decide who makes the playoffs. That hasn't been said of any other recent Turkey Day game for Dallas.
With Jalen Hurts going through a major reality check this offseason, Cowboys fans are smiling. He's about to lose A.J. Brown, and while Cowboys fans are sighing in relief, the Eagles are still expected to be a threat.
The two teams split the season series last year, as the home team won both games. Dallas lost the season opener and made an incredible 21-point comeback against the Eagles at home that kept their season alive, but only temporarily. The Cowboys were down 21-0 at halftime, but shut out the Eagles in the second half. Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns and ran for one score, and George Pickens had a monster game, going for 146 yards and one touchdown.
Brandon Aubrey nailed the game-winning 42-yard field goal. If that got you out of your seat, the entertainment level should be through the roof for 2026. The Cowboys currently lead the all-time series 75-59 and are 10-5 against the Eagles with Prescott under center. Prescott has thrown for 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions in those games with a rating of 99.3.
Cowboys vs Eagles. Thanksgiving. For the division. What could be better, Cowboys fans?
Add us as a preferred source on Google