The 2017 Dallas Cowboys season delivered a mix of rising momentum and familiar heartbreak for fans across Texas. This schedule review highlights how key matchups shaped the year and where turning points emerged on the gridiron.
Below is a structured overview of the 2017 season, designed to give you a quick scan of opponents, outcomes, and narrative moments that defined the year.
| Week | Opponent | Result | Key Storyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York Giants | W 19-3 | Strong start on the road, defense sets the tone |
| 4 | Atlanta Falcons | L 20-27 | Late collapse exposes red-zone struggles |
| 8 | Philadelphia Eagles | L 6-37 | High-profile NFC East rivalry defeat |
| 10 | New York Giants | W 27-26 | Clutch fourth-quarter drive secures narrow win |
| 13 | Washington Redskins | W 38-14 | Commanding performance to close the first half of season |
| 16 | New York Giants | W 37-18 | Finishing strong with balanced offensive attack |
| 17 | Washington Redskins | W 31-26 | Season finale victory improves playoff positioning |
Week By Week Schedule Breakdown
Early Season Momentum
Opening with a decisive road win against the New York Giants gave the Cowboys immediate confidence. The defense limited big plays and established a ground game that carried into the first bye week.
Midseason Challenges
October brought a critical test against the Atlanta Falcons and a tough trip to Philadelphia. Close losses in those games highlighted areas where execution needed to improve, especially in the red zone and third-down conversions.
Standings And Division Position
Division Rivalry Impact
Games against the New York Giants and Washington Redskins carried extra weight in the NFC East race. Each result shifted momentum within the division and affected playoff seeding late in the year.
2017 Season Takeaways
- Started the season with a commanding road victory to set a positive tone.
- Struggled with red-zone efficiency in key division games.
- Secured important wins against division rivals late in the year.
- Showed resilience in close contests, especially against historic rivals.
- Built momentum in the second half that carried into the following season.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which game best represented the season's turning point?
The narrow win over the New York Giants in Week 10 exemplified the team's ability to close under pressure and marked a shift toward consistent competitiveness.
How did the schedule affect playoff readiness?
A balanced mix of division rivals and conference opponents prepared the roster for varied challenges, with stronger performances in key divisional matchups boosting postseason confidence.
What role did red-zone efficiency play in the schedule outcomes?
Turnovers and stalled drives in the red zone against rivals like the Falcons and Eagles proved costly, underscoring the importance of finishing drives in tight spaces.
Which final matchup most influenced the season narrative?
The decisive victory over Washington in the final week reinforced growth on both sides of the ball and left fans optimistic heading into the next season.