Meta Description: Saints vs Cowboys: Get the latest 2026 preseason score, matchup details, key takeaways, and what the game means for both NFL teams.
The Saints vs Cowboys matchup was one of the notable games on the 2026 NFL preseason schedule. New Orleans traveled to Arlington to face Dallas in the third and final preseason week on August 28, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET. (Nfl
The game offered both teams another opportunity to evaluate players before the regular season. For coaches, preseason games are less about the final score and more about deciding which players deserve roster spots, starting roles, and additional opportunities.
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Saints vs Cowboys: Get the latest 2026 preseason score, matchup details, key takeaways, and what the game means for both NFL team
Saints vs Cowboys: Game Details
The matchup took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the Saints listed as the visiting team. The NFL schedule confirmed the game for Friday, August 28, during Week 3 of the preseason. (NFL)
Coming into the game, Dallas had opened the preseason with two victories. The Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks 17–7 before beating the Arizona Cardinals 34–13. (NFL)
New Orleans entered the matchup looking for its first preseason victory after losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams. The Saints lost 24–20 to Jacksonville in Week 1 and 34–0 to Los Angeles in Week 2. (NFL)
Saints vs Cowboys Score
The official NFL Game Center showed New Orleans leading Dallas 10–6 in the second quarter when the game was being tracked. The Saints had scored 10 points in the opening two quarters, while Dallas had six. (NFL)
Because preseason games are frequently used to evaluate younger players and roster candidates, the final result is only one part of the story. Coaches are also watching individual performances, execution, injuries, and how players handle different situations.
Why the Matchup Matters
The preseason is especially important for players competing for limited roster positions.
A strong performance against another NFL team can help a player separate himself from a crowded position group. At the same time, established starters may receive limited snaps because teams want to reduce unnecessary injury risk before the regular season.
For Dallas, the matchup was another chance to build on a strong preseason start. The Cowboys had already won their first two exhibition games, giving the coaching staff a positive foundation heading into the final preseason contest. (NFL)
For New Orleans, the game was an opportunity to respond after two difficult preseason results. The Saints were 0–2 entering the contest and had been outscored 58–20 across their first two games. (NFL)
Key Things to Watch
Quarterback Competition
Quarterback evaluation is always one of the biggest preseason storylines. Dallas entered the final preseason game with competition for its backup quarterback position, while New Orleans was also evaluating its offensive personnel.
The Cowboys’ coaching staff had previously described Joe Milton and Sam Howell as being closely matched in the competition for the backup role. (NFL)
Young Players
Preseason games give rookies and younger players a valuable chance to face NFL-level competition.
For players trying to make the final roster, every snap matters. A strong showing can influence decisions even when a player is not expected to start during the regular season.
Offensive Consistency
Dallas had demonstrated strong offensive production in its first two preseason games, scoring 17 points against Seattle and 34 against Arizona. The Saints, meanwhile, were coming off a shutout loss to the Rams. (NFL)
That made offensive execution an important area to monitor for New Orleans.
What Comes Next for the Saints?
After the preseason, the Saints move into the regular season with a challenging opening stretch.
New Orleans begins the 2026 regular season on September 13 against the Detroit Lions, followed by a road game against the Baltimore Ravens on September 20. (NFL)
The Saints therefore have little time to dwell on preseason results. Their focus quickly shifts toward final roster decisions and preparation for Week 1.
What Comes Next for the Cowboys?
Dallas opens its regular season on September 13 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in a nationally televised Sunday Night Football matchup. (NFL)
The Cowboys then return home to face the Washington Commanders in Week 2.
Their strong preseason record gives the team some momentum, but preseason success does not automatically translate into regular-season victories. The intensity, game planning, and importance of regular-season games are significantly different.
Common Misconception About Preseason Games
One common mistake is judging an entire team based on its preseason record.
Preseason results can provide useful clues, but they are not a reliable prediction of regular-season success. Coaches may rest starters, limit playbooks, experiment with lineups, and give extended playing time to players who may not have major roles later.
That is why individual performances and roster decisions can be more meaningful than the final score.
Expert Takeaway
The Saints vs Cowboys preseason matchup was valuable for both teams for different reasons.
Dallas entered the game with a 2–0 preseason record and could use the final exhibition to evaluate remaining roster questions. New Orleans entered at 0–2 and had a stronger need to find positive signs before the regular season began. (NFL)
The most useful way to evaluate the matchup is therefore to look beyond the scoreboard. Quarterback play, young-player development, offensive execution, defensive depth, and roster competition all provide important clues about what could happen once meaningful games begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Saints vs Cowboys matchup?
It is an NFL matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys. In 2026, the teams met during the third week of the NFL preseason.
When did Saints vs Cowboys play in 2026?
The 2026 preseason matchup was scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (NFL)
What was the Saints vs Cowboys score?
The NFL Game Center showed New Orleans leading Dallas 10–6 in the second quarter during the live game tracking. (NFL)
Was Saints vs Cowboys a regular-season game?
No. The August 28, 2026 matchup was a preseason Week 3 game. The teams did not have a regular-season matchup listed in their 2026 schedules. (NFL)
Where was the Saints vs Cowboys game played?
The game was played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys. (NFL)
Who had the better preseason record entering the game?
Dallas entered the matchup with a 2–0 preseason record, while New Orleans was 0–2. (NFL)
When does the Saints regular season begin?
The Saints open the 2026 regular season against the Detroit Lions on September 13. (NFL)
When do the Cowboys begin the regular season?
Dallas begins its 2026 regular season against the New York Giants on September 13. (NFL)
Final Thoughts
The Saints vs Cowboys preseason matchup provided both organizations with one final competitive test before the 2026 regular season. Dallas was looking to maintain its positive preseason momentum, while New Orleans needed encouraging performances after two losses.
Ultimately, the bigger value of a preseason game is what coaches learn from it. The final roster, quarterback decisions, player development, and overall execution will matter far more once the regular season begins.
