Dallas Cowboys: Will they get to 10 Wins in 2019?
By: @MoneyMikeWins
Over/Under 9.5
Last Season- 10-6 (1st in NFC East)
Philadelphia’s main contention for the NFC East title, the Dallas Cowboys enter 2019 with playoff hopes, as well as financial headaches. Can they reach 10 wins? Let’s take a look:
As of today, contract disputes remain the black cloud over the otherwise optimistic Cowboys. It is my true belief that all three players in question (Elliot, Prescott, Cooper) will be on the field for Week 1. Following a playoff loss in the divisional round to the NFC Champion Rams, this Cowboys team features a plethora of additions that could put them over the hump. The biggest of any addition is the return of all-pro center Travis Frederick. It’s no secret that the Cowboys look to be a run-first offense, and Frederick brings unparalleled leadership to an incredibly talented front.
The defensive side of the ball returns emerging stars Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch holding down the middle of the field. These two have only gotten better as they progress through their short NFL careers, and are widely regarded as a top 2 linebacker duo. Question marks at safety were ‘fixed’ with band-aids rather than reinforcements with the signing of George Iloka. A solid career NFL player, Iloka is a guy that will help you more than he will hurt, and at the end of the day. Without any major injuries, this should be a top 5 defense.
The main thing to focus on with team total win over/under is scheduling. The Cowboy schedule this season is as follows:
Week 1: Giants
Week 2: @ Redskins
Week 3: Dolphins
Week 4: @ Saints
Week 5: Packers
Week 6: @ Jets
Week 7: Eagles
Week 8: @ Giants
Week 9: Vikings
Week 10: @ Lions
Week 11: @ Patriots
Week 12: Bills
Week 13: @ Bears
Week 14: Rams
Week 15: @ Eagles
Week 16: Redskins
The key games that will determine the result of this season begins with a rematch with the New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys manhandled New Orleans all game during last season’s matchup, but struggled to move the football in a 13-10 win. This game will speak volumes for both teams.
The following game is no bigger or smaller in value to the mindset of Dallas. Aaron Rodgers has lived rent free in the minds of every Cowboy fan over the last decade. A win at home over the Packers is vital for this group to make the next step.
Lastly regarding the schedule, the Cowboys must go 4-2 against the division (if not better) if they want to secure separation from the extremely talented Philadelphia Eagles.
Look for the Cowboys to show vast offensive efficiency improvements under new Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore. I look for Ezekiel Elliot to thrive against defenses that have to be wary of the pass for a change. Assuming Dak Prescott gets paid, I see him having his most efficient season thus far, especially considering a full offseason with superstar receiver Amari Cooper.
Final Prediction 11-5
Verdict- OVER