Dallas Cowboys Will Win NFC East & Other Bold Predictions

Football is back, and so is the yearly pessimism surrounding the Dallas Cowboys. But, who can blame the fans? That’s what two decades with a single playoff victory does to a once-proud Cowboys Nation. However, year after year, these Tony Romo-led Cowboys provides lots of hope, excitement and a hell of a ride, before finally disappointing with yet another season-ending defeat and getting their now traditional 8-8 record.

But one thing that you have to give them, is that they are fun to watch and they can compete against anybody in the league (remember that Denver game last season?). Besides, they have been there every year, up to the last game. They lost them all, but they were there. The Redskins got one good year and then fall out of competition. The Giants have been terrible the last couple of years, and the Eagles were a mess before Chip Kelly got lucky discovering Nick Foley.

Taking a look at schedule, there is reason to be a bit more optimistic, even though I know that’s not fashionable right now when talking about these Cowboys. Especially after watching that terrible defense playing in the pre-season.

Aug 23, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins defense during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s analyze the schedule and try to figure out the Dallas Cowboys final record for the 2014 season:

I believe the first game of the season will show us what are these Cowboys made of, and I think some people will be surprised to find out. Although the San Francisco 49ers are one of the two best teams in the NFC, their offense doesn’t scare anybody right now, and their defense will miss Aldon Smith a lot. Add that to the recent arrest of Ray McDonald and the absence of rehabbing star linebacker NaVorro Bowman, and there are elements to believe that the Cowboys can beat the 49ers at home. The key will be the battle between the outstanding Dallas offense and the excellent 49ers defense. Dez Bryant is playing like a beast, and he will lead the Cowboys to their first Win in the 2014 season. W.

Then you have a couple of road but winnable games against Titans and Rams. You can’t tell me that the Cowboys can’t beat a team lead by Jake Locker at QB. W.

The Rams is another story, and if Sam Bradford hadn’t injured I would see this game as a loss. But although they have a great defense, without Bradford they will fight an uphill battle all season long. W.

So, there we are for a surprising 3-0 start of the season.

Then the Saints come to Dallas and I won’t fool myself trying to convince me that we can beat them. I think they can compete, but being objective, New Orleans is a more balanced team. L.

Just like with the Titans, I don’t believe that a Houston Texans team with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their quarterback can stay in the game against Romo & Co. W.

Seahawks at Seattle? Not much to say or do. L.

Last year the Cowboys were 5-1 against NFC East rivals. I’m going this year with a conservative 3-3 approach, winning at home and losing as visitors. I believe that’s reasonable.

So, Giants and Redskins coming in consecutive October weeks to the AT&T Stadium, means two more wins. W. W.

The Cardinals are a tricky team. The game is also at home, but the Cards are a good young team. However, Carson Palmer should be no match for Tony Romo and the offensive line will control the game in the trenches. Expect a big game from DeMarco Murray. W.

At Jaguars, is a key game that the Cowboys have to win, because then comes a brutal stretch to close the season. Will you really try to tell me that the Cowboys can’t beat a team with a combination of Chad Henne and Blake Bortles at QB? W.

Dec 15, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach

celebrates a touchdown as wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) and running back DeMarco Murray (29) leave the field in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

At this point of the season, the Cowboys will be the story of the year, with a misleading 8-2 record; and then reality will bite once again…

A trip to New Jersey will give them their 3^rd loss of the season. L.

Hosting the Eagles the following week will mean breaking the 8-win curse for the first time in 5 years. W.

Chicago has always been a place where the Cowboys struggle, and this time it won’t be any different. L.

Next week the Eagles will take revenge on Sunday Night Football. L.

Against Indianapolis at home, I’m inclined to say that a win is possible, more than anything because I can’t see them losing four straight games to close the season. But a Colts team lead by Andrew Luck is objectively better than these Cowboys. L.

Just to close the season in Washington, to what I also believe could be another win, but I’m keeping with my 3-3 divisional record approach. L.

That’s 9 Wins and 7 Losses, and that should be enough to win the NFC East and get back to the playoffs. It will also mean a new contract for Jason Garrett, Pro-Bowl berths for Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and DeMarco Murray, and first-team All-Pro selection for Dez Bryant.

However, that won’t be enough to get their second playoff win in nearly two decades, and the defense still will be ranked in the low-20s. But overall, the 2014 Dallas Cowboys will overachieve and the future is bright for a talented, rejuvenated team that needs only a couple of good defensive drafts to round up its roster.

You read it here first! See you at the end of the season to check how my predictions worked out.