5 Must-Win Games for Cowboys in 2020

The NFL released its full schedule for the 2020 season on Thursday, and like always, all eyes were on the Dallas Cowboys, who will be looking to bounce back after a middling campaign last year.

Dallas finished 8-8 and let the Philadelphia Eagles take back the NFC East crown after a hideous performance at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 16. Unfortunately for first-year head coach Mike McCarthy, it's not going to be smooth sailing for the Cowboys in their quest claim their third division title in five seasons.

Outside of the tricky division clashes, Dallas will also face every team from the NFC West and AFC North in 2020. With this in mind, let's highlight five must-win contests for Big D.

5. Week 2 vs. Falcons

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones going up for a pass against the Dallas Cowboys / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Cowboys will be faced with a tough three-game stretch out of the gates. A home date against the Falcons in Week 2 comes between road tilts against the Rams and Seahawks. Defeating Atlanta, who finished 7-9 last year, is a must for Dallas. However, it will be far from a walk in the park. The Falcons pressed the issue this offseason in terms of upgrading their roster. The addition of running back Todd Gurley sticks out, and a healthy Matt Ryan can do major damage. Starting out strong will be required for the Cowboys to avenge their forgettable 2019 season, and it starts with beating Atlanta in Week 2.

4. Week 4 vs. Browns

Dallas Cowboys LT Tyron Smith blocking against the Cleveland Browns / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Talk about a juicy matchup between two high-powered offenses. This contest will generate primetime interest despite its 1 p.m. ET time slot. The Boys need to take care of business here; for starters, it's at home and follows a brutal road game against the Seahawks. Perhaps more important is the fact that it preludes a stretch where Dallas could rattle off three straight wins against the Giants, Cardinals, and Redskins. Nothing more needs to be said.

3. Week 9 vs. Steelers

Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott celebrating a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The middle of the Cowboys' schedule is an absolute gauntlet. Between Weeks 8-13, they will face the Eagles, Steelers, Vikings, Redskins and Ravens. The Week 9 matchup against Pittsburgh is pivotal in that it comes right before Dallas' bye. A dub against Ben Roethlisberger and that daunting defense will have the Cowboys in good spirits as they prep for the biggest stretch of games on their slate.

2. Week 12 vs. Redskins

Dallas Cowboys WR Amari Cooper hauling in a pass against the Washington Redskins last season. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Cowboys' annual Thanksgiving fixture sees them slated against the Redskins, and they better not overlook their division rival. Dallas will play three games in a 12-day stretch between Weeks 11-13. The other contests are versus the Vikings and Ravens, both of which are on the road. If "America's Team" takes Washington lightly, it could upend their season. The Cowboys should be heavily favored at home, but don't be surprised if Ron Rivera's side gives them fits in this trap game.

1. Week 16 vs. Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

A Week 16 matchup against the Eagles that could potentially have massive playoff implications? Does that ring a bell? In December of last season, an injury-ravaged Eagles team humiliated the Cowboys en route to a 17-9 victory, which sent Dallas packing its bags for an early offseason. You have to think that 2020's late-season fixture will hold similar significance. The Cowboys being at home for this one makes it a must-win and the most important game on their itinerary.