The 2018 season is the Dallas Cowboys' 59th in the National Football League, their 30th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, their 10th playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and their eighth full season under head coachJason Garrett. AT&T Stadium is also the first stadium venue to host the annual draft. For the first time since 2009, wide receiver Dez Bryant wasn't on the opening day roster, as he was released on April 13, 2018. For the first time since 2002, tight end Jason Witten was not on the opening day roster, having announced his retirement on May 3, 2018. For the first time since 2010, kicker Dan Bailey wasn't on the opening day roster, as he was released on September 1, 2018 and later signed with the Minnesota Vikings on September 17, 2018.
The Cowboys traded their fifth-round selection (157th overall) to the New York Jets in exchange for the Jets' sixth-round selection in 2017 (191st overall).
The Cowboys traded their fifth-round selection (173rd overall) to Oakland in exchange for Oakland's sixth-round selection (192nd overall) and fullback Jamize Olawale.
The Cowboys traded their sixth-round selection (192nd overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for wide receiver Tavon Austin.
The Cowboys were awarded one fourth-round, two fifth-round and one sixth-round compensatory picks (137th, 171st, 173rd and 208th overall).
Despite a strong showing from the defense, the Cowboys offense could only muster 8 points and fumbled late in the game, allowing the Panthers to run out the clock. This loss would start the Cowboys season at 0-1.
Week 2: vs. New York Giants
Week Two: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Dak Prescott threw his first touchdown pass of the year to Tavon Austin from 64 yards out on the 3rd play of the game. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for his second touchdown of the year. Brett Maher made his first two field goals as a Cowboy. The defense recorded 6 sacks and a fumble recovery. This win improved the Cowboys to 1-1.
Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks
Week Three: Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
The Cowboys struggled mightily. Dak Prescott threw 2 interceptions and Ezekiel Elliott had a fumble late in the game. The only highlight was a Tavon Austin touchdown. This loss dropped the Cowboys to 1-2 on the season.
Week 4: vs. Detroit Lions
Week Four: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Period
1
2
3
4
Total
Lions
7
3
0
14
24
Cowboys
3
10
7
6
26
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Date: September 30
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
The Cowboys bounced back from the previous week. Elliott totaled 240 yards and a touchdown. Prescott had 2 passing touchdowns. Geoff Swaim scored the first touchdown of his career. Maher went 4/4 on field goals, including a 38-yarder that won the game as time expired. This win improved the Cowboys to 2-2 on the season.
Week 5: at Houston Texans
Week Five: Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans – Game summary
The Cowboys contreversially punted in overtime and allowed the Texans to take the ball down the field and win the game. This loss dropped the Cowboys to 2-3.
Week 6: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week Six: Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
^ abNew Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory.
^ abcAtlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory.
^ abNY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
