Clarence Hill: Dallas Cowboys have tough 2023 schedule but look for third 12-win season

The Dallas Cowboys finished 12-5 in each of the the last two seasons for the first time since 1992-1995 when they won three Super Bowl titles in four seasons.

Yet they have nothing to show for it.

Two bitter playoff losses to the San Francisco 49ers have left the Cowboys with a familiar bitter taste in their mouths.

Let’s see if a third time is the charm for a Cowboys team hoping to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1995.

Coach Mike McCarthy said the key to breaking through in the playoffs is to keep getting there.

The Cowboys will finish 12-5 again under McCarthy.

He likely won’t get a chance for a fourth time if they fail in the playoffs again.

Here is how the Cowboys will fare in 2023:

Sept. 10: at Giants | SNF | 7:20 p.m. | NBC

From 2012-2019, the Giants and Cowboys met in Week 1 six of times. Now the tradition is back with the Cowboys having back-to-back openers on Sunday Night Football. Win

Sept. 17: vs Jets 3:25 p.m. | CBS

Mike McCarthy versus Aaron Rodgers never gets old. It was a classic last season. Look for a different outcome in Dallas in 2023. Win

Sept. 24: at Cardinals | 3:25 p.m. | FOX

This should be a Kyler Murray vs. Dak Prescott showdown. But it will be no contest. Cowboys have a 56-34 all-time record for Cardinals. Win

Oct. 1: vs. Patriots | 3:25 p.m. | FOX

There was a time when the Patriots owned the Cowboys. But those Tom Brady days are long gone. These are not your father’s Patriots. Win

Oct. 8: at 49ers | SNF | 7:20 p.m. | NBC

This a prime time playoff rematch that will go a long way toward showing whether the Cowboys’ offseason changes have taken hold. Too much Bosa. Loss

Oct. 16: at Chargers | MNF | 7:25 p.m. | ESPN

A battle between Mike McCarthy and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is the marquee attraction here. Will McCarthy run the ball and protect his defense. Win

Oct. 22: Bye week

Oct. 29: vs. Rams | Noon | FOX

These are not the Super Bowl champion Rams but the rebuilding, cost-cutting Rams. This should be no contest for the Cowboys. Win

Nov. 5: at Eagles | 3:25 p.m. | FOX

The Cowboys closed the gap on the Eagles in the offseason, but home field advantage means so much on his rivalry. Jalen Hurts bests Prescott for the first time. Loss

Nov. 12: vs Giants | 3:25 p.m. | FOX

The Giants are clearly the third best team in the NFC East but they have no answer for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. Win

Nov. 19: at Panthers | Noon | FOX

The Panthers are trotting out a new coach and a rookie quarterback. This should be no contest for a contending Cowboys team. Win

Nov. 23: vs Commanders | 3:25 p.m. | CBS

Washington has new ownership. New quarterback. New offensive coordinator. It doesn’t matter. Dak Prescott has never lost to Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Win

Nov. 30: vs Seahawks | TNF | 7:15 p.m. | Prime Video

Seattle is one the way up with quarterback Geno Smith remaking his career. But Geno is no Dak Prescott. This one tracks for the Cowboys. Win

Dec. 10: vs Eagles | SNF | 7:20 p.m. | NBC

Dak Prescott is 8-3 against the Eagles in his career. He is 7-1 at AT&T Stadium. That home dominance continues in 2023 in a game that might decide division. Win

Dec. 17: at Bills | 3:25 | FOX

Let’s just hope the Cowboys get a good look at Niagara Falls. Josh Allen and the Bills mafia should prove too much for Dallas. Loss

Dec. 24: at Dolphins | 3:25 | FOX

The Dolphins are one of the league’s most talented teams with speedy playmakers galore on offense. South Beach will not a good time for Dallas. Loss

Dec. 30: vs Lions | 7:15 | ESPN

The Lions are revitalized. But winning in Dallas remains a bridge too far. Dallas is still the Big D in the NFL. Win

Jan. 6/7: at Commanders | TBD | TBD

Somebody always happens with the Cowboys in these late seasons at the Commanders. See 2022 and the missed PATs in the blowout loss. Loss