Dallas Cowboys 2021 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games
1. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have owned this head-to-head matchup of late. Arizona has won four of the last five meetings, including a 38-10 performance in Dallas on Monday Night Football last year. September of 2017 was the last time the Cowboys defeated the Cardinals. You have to go all the way back to 2006 for the team’s second-most recent victory against Arizona.
Now, it probably feels weird and random that this home game against a non-divisional opponent is first on the list of “must-wins” for the Cowboys. However, that is exactly why it is so important.
We know why divisional games carry more weight. Although similar to the road game against the Saints, non-divisional wins are also massive for teams trying to right the path to the playoffs.
These games are huge because they often serve as a “measuring stick” game against other conference favorites. Both of these teams have playoff aspirations, and each side likely views themselves as favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Arizona played in what most would objectively deem the second-best division in football last year behind the jammed AFC North. At 8-8, the Cardinals finished third behind two playoff teams (Seattle Seahawks, 12-4. Los Angeles Rams, 10-6). The team started 5-2 but fizzled out down the stretch.
All signs indicate this club will build off that .500 record and look to truly make noise in the NFC this year with additions such as J.J. Watt and A.J. Green to go with stars Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. This will be a great challenge for Dallas.
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Momentum wins, culture wins, etc., are all overused cliches in today’s sport’s world. Pundits and media members bash these terms like an anvil on viewer’s heads at times. Therefore, they lose true meaning. However, a win against the Cardinals would be that. A momentum, perhaps culture-shifting win for a team trying to change the narrative around them.