The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams, two storied franchises in the National Football League, are set to renew their rivalry in 2026. While the teams recently faced off in a preseason contest on August 9, 2025, with the Rams securing a 31-21 victory according to ESPN, the history between these two teams stretches back decades, marked by intense regular season battles and memorable playoff clashes.
The Cowboys currently hold the edge in the all-time series with a record of 20 wins to the Rams’ 18 as detailed by Wikipedia. However, the Rams have had the upper hand in postseason matchups, winning five of the nine games played between the two teams according to historical data. This rivalry peaked during the 1970s and early 1980s, with eight playoff meetings occurring during that period.
The most recent regular season contest between the two teams took place on October 29, 2023, with the Cowboys dominating the Rams 43-20 at AT&T Stadium as noted in the rivalry’s history. The largest victory for the Cowboys in the series was a 37-7 win on January 4, 1976, while the Rams’ biggest win came in their first-ever meeting, a 38-13 victory on November 6, 1960 according to the series record.
The Cowboys’ current head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, made his debut with the team in the August 2025 preseason game against the Rams. Despite the loss, Schottenheimer expressed emotional gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the support of Jerry Jones and the Jones family as reported by ESPN. Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett led his team to victory in that preseason matchup, passing for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
Playoff History Highlights
The Cowboys and Rams have a rich playoff history, with several memorable games. Key postseason matchups include:
- 1973 NFC Divisional: Cowboys won 27-16
- 1975 NFC Championship: Cowboys won 37-7
- 1976 NFC Divisional: Rams won 14-12
- 1978 NFC Championship: Cowboys won 28-0
- 1979 NFC Divisional: Rams won 21-19
- 1980 NFC Wild Card: Cowboys won 34-13
- 1983 NFC Wild Card: Rams won 24-17
- 1985 NFC Divisional: Rams won 20-0
- 2018 NFC Divisional: Rams won 30-22
These games showcase the competitive nature of this NFC rivalry, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance as detailed in the series history.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys are currently on a two-game win streak against the Rams, dating back to 2022 according to the series record. The next scheduled meeting between the two teams is in 2026, promising another chapter in this compelling NFL rivalry. Fans will be watching to spot if the Cowboys can continue their recent success or if the Rams can regain the upper hand. The 2025 Dallas Cowboys schedule is available on their official website here, though dates are subject to change due to NFL flexible scheduling procedures.
What impact will Brian Schottenheimer have on the Cowboys’ offense as he settles into his role? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow NFL fans.
