Falcons vs Cowboys | NFL Preseason Week 3, Aug 22, 2025

The NFL preseason is heating up, and one of the most exciting matchups in Week 3 will feature the Atlanta Falcons traveling to Arlington, Texas, to take on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025, with kickoff at 7:00 PM, this game promises to be a thrilling showcase of rising stars, roster battles, and a sneak peek at how both teams are shaping up ahead of the regular season. Fans can tune in live on FuboTV, Ticketmaster and StubHub or catch the action in person with tickets starting as low as $8, making this game an affordable way to experience NFL football in one of the league’s premier venues.

Why This Preseason Matchup Matters

While preseason games don’t count toward the regular-season standings, they are crucial for coaches and players alike. For the Falcons, it’s about fine-tuning their offense under head coach Raheem Morris, who is looking to establish rhythm and consistency for quarterback Kirk Cousins and his talented young receiving corps. For the Cowboys, Mike McCarthy and his staff are focused on developing depth behind Dak Prescott while evaluating new faces on defense who could play key roles during the regular season.

This Week 3 matchup is especially important because it traditionally serves as the “dress rehearsal” for NFL teams. Starters often see extended action, giving fans a real taste of what to expect when the season officially kicks off in September.

Falcons Outlook

The Falcons enter this preseason with renewed optimism. After investing heavily in free agency and the draft, Atlanta is building around veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and young weapons like Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Robinson, in particular, is expected to be a game-changer, as his versatility allows him to dominate both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

Defensively, the Falcons are eager to showcase improvements in their pass rush and secondary. Young edge rushers will get plenty of snaps, as Atlanta tries to identify reliable contributors who can pressure opposing quarterbacks — something the team struggled with in previous seasons. Preseason games like this will help determine which players earn final roster spots and starting roles.

Cowboys Outlook

The Cowboys are once again entering a season with high expectations. Dak Prescott is coming off a strong year, and he will be looking to build chemistry with star receiver CeeDee Lamb and newcomer Brandin Cooks. Even if Prescott only plays a limited number of drives, the Cowboys’ offense is expected to show flashes of its explosive potential.

On defense, Micah Parsons remains the centerpiece. While Parsons likely won’t see extensive action in preseason, his presence sets the tone for the entire unit. The real storyline for the Cowboys is depth — finding quality backups at cornerback, safety, and linebacker. Players on the bubble will be fighting for roster spots in this game, making it a high-intensity matchup for those competing to make the cut.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Falcons O-Line vs. Cowboys Pass Rush – Can Atlanta’s rebuilt offensive line hold off the relentless pressure from Dallas’ defensive front? This battle will provide a good early test.
2. Bijan Robinson vs. Cowboys Linebackers – Robinson’s ability to create mismatches against linebackers in coverage will be something to watch closely.
3. Cowboys Rookie Receivers vs. Falcons Secondary – Dallas will likely give younger wideouts plenty of snaps, giving Atlanta’s secondary a chance to prove itself.
4. Backup QBs – With Prescott and Cousins unlikely to play the entire game, the performance of backups like Cooper Rush (Cowboys) and Taylor Heinicke (Falcons) could decide the outcome.

What Fans Can Expect

Fans attending the game at AT&T Stadium are in for a treat. Known as one of the most spectacular venues in sports, “Jerry World” offers unmatched amenities, massive video boards, and an electric atmosphere, even in preseason. Tickets starting at just $8 make it one of the most affordable NFL experiences, particularly for families looking to enjoy live football without regular-season prices.

For those watching at home, FuboTV provides an easy way to stream the game live, ensuring fans don’t miss a single play. With both teams expected to play starters longer than in previous weeks, viewers can expect a competitive contest that feels much closer to a regular-season game.

Predictions and Outlook

While preseason outcomes are difficult to predict, the Cowboys may enter as slight favorites due to their home-field advantage and deeper roster. However, the Falcons have plenty to prove and could use this game to send a message that they’re ready to contend in the NFC South.

Expect a close, hard-fought contest where the score may not matter as much as the performances. The real winners of this game will be the young players who seize the opportunity to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.

The Falcons vs. Cowboys preseason showdown is more than just a warm-up. It’s a chance for fans to witness the development of young stars, the sharpening of veterans, and the determination of players battling for their professional futures. With affordable tickets, a world-class venue, and live streaming available, this is a must-watch game for any football fan.