When the schedule comes out, just about everybody pencils in W or L next to the games to make predictions. Not Wade Phillips.

"At this time of the year, everybody's schedule is tough, because things change so much from season to season," Phillips said in a statement. "You can't look at it like there are any soft spots out there. We've got seven games against teams that made the playoffs last year, and we've got our work cut out for us."

A QUICK START?

The opening looks like it could be kind to the Cowboys and lead to a 2007-like start when they finished 13-3. Three of their first seven games come against 2008 playoff clubs (the Giants, Carolina and Atlanta) but all three will visit the new stadium in Arlington. The other opponents - Tampa Bay, Denver, Kansas City and Seattle - missed the playoffs last season and have new coaches.

TOUGHEST STRETCH WEEKS 9-12

The Cowboys were obliterated in their last visit to Philadelphia. A November trip to Lambeau Field is a lot different than the September trip they made last year. Playing the Redskins on a short week is difficult, and it makes the Raiders' game that much more difficult four days later because of how physical NFC East games can be.

NFC EAST QUICK LOOK

PHILADELPHIA

From Oct. 26-Nov. 15, the Eagles have a four-week stretch against their NFC East rivals (two at home) and a trip to San Diego.

NY Giants

From Weeks 13-16, the Giants play three straight games against their division foes and then Carolina. The good news: three of the four are at home.

WASHINGTON

Weeks 2-4 (St. Louis, Detroit, Tampa Bay) are kind, but the Redskins close the season vs. the Giants, Cowboys and at San Diego.