The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a tough 2025 campaign, and the quarterbacks on their schedule aren’t doing them any favors. With matchups against some of the league’s top talent, from savvy veterans to rising stars, Dallas’ defense will need to be sharp each and every week.
Dallas is tied for the fifth-toughest strength of schedule this season, and it shows. Their opponents had a combined 161-128 record last year, and several of those teams are led by quarterbacks who can take over a game in an instant. Whether it’s mobility, arm strength, or sheer football IQ, these five signal-callers will make life difficult for Brian Schottenheimer’s group.
Let’s break down the five toughest quarterbacks Dallas will face this season, and what makes each one a unique challenge.
5. Jalen Hurts, Eagles, Weeks 1 and 12
The season opener sends Dallas straight into enemy territory, with a Week 1 clash in Philadelphia against none other than Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. The Cowboys have had some success containing him in recent matchups, but Hurts always finds a way to test defenses with his dual-threat skill set. He’s powerful, he’s poised, and he’s efficient, especially in the red zone. Throw in the extra juice that comes with a division rivalry and Hurts defending his crown as a champion, and you’ve got a quarterback who’s coming into the first matchup with something to prove.
4. Jared Goff, Lions, Week 14
Goff might not get the same hype as other names on this list, but teams overlook him at their own risk. Last season, he carved up the Cowboys for 315 yards and three touchdowns, and Detroit left AT&T Stadium with a 47-9 win. What Goff lacks in flash, he makes up for in precision. He operates behind one of the league’s best offensive lines and rarely puts the ball in harm’s way. With the Lions continuing to build around him, Goff has quietly become one of the NFL’s most consistent, and dangerous quarterbacks.
3. Justin Herbert, Chargers, Week 16
Herbert has all the physical tools teams dream about: a rocket arm, great size, and the composure to thrive in pressure-packed moments. Though Dallas is 2-0 against him so far, they know better than to get comfortable. Herbert’s the kind of quarterback who can flip the momentum in a single throw. If the Cowboys can’t get pressure on him early, he’ll settle in and pick them apart. He’s due for a statement game, and this could be it.
2. Jayden Daniels, Commanders, Weeks 7 and 17
One season. That’s all it took for Jayden Daniels to go from rookie to rising superstar. Washington’s new franchise quarterback lit up defenses in 2024, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding nearly 900 yards and six scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. The fact that he led Washington to the NFC title game as a rookie speaks volumes about his poise and potential. Dallas can’t treat this like a typical matchup against a second-year QB — Daniels is different.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs, Week 13
There’s no debate here.
Mahomes remains the gold standard. A two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl winner, he’s the ultimate test for any defense. He creates outside the pocket, sees the field like few others, and somehow turns broken plays into highlight-reel touchdowns. Facing Mahomes isn’t just another Sunday, it’s a chance to measure yourself against the very best. For Dallas, slowing him down would send a strong message to the rest of the league.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Toughest 5 QBs the Cowboys will have their hands full with in 2025
Reporting by Ali Jawad, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
