The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history with several prominent rivals, stemming from divisional matchups, playoff clashes, and significant historical contests. Their most intense rivalries are typically found within their own division, the NFC East.
Key Dallas Cowboys Rivalries
The Cowboys' rivalries extend beyond their division, reflecting their status as one of the NFL's most popular and long-standing franchises.
| Rival Team | Type of Rivalry | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | Divisional, Historic | Known as the Commanders–Cowboys rivalry (formerly Redskins-Cowboys), it's one of the oldest and most intense in the NFL. |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Divisional, Intense | The Cowboys–Eagles rivalry is fueled by close games, fan passion, and a battle for NFC East supremacy. |
| New York Giants | Divisional, Consistent | The Cowboys–Giants rivalry features numerous high-stakes games, often deciding playoff berths or division titles. |
| Green Bay Packers | Inter-conference, Playoff | The Cowboys–Packers rivalry has been marked by memorable playoff battles, including the "Ice Bowl" and other significant postseason matchups. |
| Los Angeles Rams | Inter-conference, Playoff | The Cowboys–Rams rivalry has a history rooted in numerous playoff encounters during the 1970s and 1980s. |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Inter-conference, Super Bowl | The Cowboys–Steelers rivalry is notable for being the most common Super Bowl matchup, having occurred three times. |
| Minnesota Vikings | Inter-conference, Playoff | The Cowboys–Vikings rivalry includes several critical playoff games, particularly in the 1970s and 1990s. |
Divisional Foes: The NFC East
The NFC East is renowned for its fierce competition, and the Cowboys are at the heart of it with these rivalries:
- Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins): This rivalry is steeped in history and tradition, dating back to the Cowboys' inception. Games between these two teams are often highly physical and emotionally charged, reflecting deep-seated animosity and a long battle for regional pride.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The Cowboys–Eagles rivalry is one of the most volatile in the NFL, characterized by passionate fan bases and a constant fight for supremacy in the division. Both teams have experienced periods of dominance, making their matchups crucial for playoff implications.
- New York Giants: As another long-standing NFC East opponent, the Cowboys–Giants rivalry consistently delivers competitive games. Many division titles and playoff spots have come down to their head-to-head contests, creating significant stakes whenever they meet.
Historic and Playoff Rivals
Beyond the NFC East, the Cowboys have developed intense rivalries with other teams through memorable playoff encounters and championship games:
- Green Bay Packers: The Cowboys–Packers rivalry is a clash of two of the NFL's most storied franchises, often meeting in critical playoff scenarios. Their history includes some of the most iconic games in NFL history, making every contest significant.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: This rivalry is iconic due to their multiple Super Bowl meetings (Super Bowls X, XIII, and XXX), making it a truly Super Bowl rivalry. Both teams represent blue-collar traditions and boast massive fan bases, leading to highly anticipated inter-conference matchups.
- Los Angeles Rams: While not an annual rival, the Cowboys–Rams rivalry emerged from their frequent playoff battles, particularly in the 1970s and 80s, where they often stood in each other's way on the path to the Super Bowl.
- Minnesota Vikings: The Cowboys–Vikings rivalry also has its roots in several significant playoff games, especially during the 1970s when both teams were perennial contenders, and later in the 1990s.
These rivalries contribute significantly to the legacy and drama surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, making their games some of the most anticipated on the NFL schedule.
[[Dallas Cowboys Rivalries]]
