2012 Dallas Cowboys Over/Under Odds, Schedule, NFC and Super Bowl Odds

2012 NFL Team Predictions: Dallas Cowboys Vegas Over/Under Odds, Schedule and Forecast: They have a state-of-the-art stadium, a celebrity owner and a ton of talented players, but the Dallas Cowboys always seem to look a lot better on paper and in the headlines than they actually do on the field. Last year was no exception as the Cowboys finished the year 8-8, losing four of their final five games and missing out on the playoffs and a division title with a loss to the New York Giants in the regular season finale. With the money owner Jerry Jones is shelling out, the expectations aren’t going away any time soon. However, the issues that have plagued the Cowboys aren’t going away either, and it could be another rough year in Dallas.

Despite the issues, the Cowboys do have plenty of stars on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Tony Romo gets criticized as much as any play at the position, but he has averaged 30 touchdowns over his past four full seasons. He has solid weapons to work with, as well. Receiver Miles Austin has proven he can be a No. 1 option, and Dez Bryant has shown the potential to be a star. Unfortunately, both players have battled injuries throughout their careers, leaving tight end Jason Witten as the only experienced option. Injuries, along with a shaky offensive line, have put Romo in some unenviable situations. Granted, he makes his share of mistakes, but the play of Romo isn’t the only reason the Cowboys’ offense has been inconsistent.

If the offense is going to find some consistency, running back DeMarco Murray has to stay healthy. Dallas has been searching for a feature back for a while, and Murray showed the inside strength and big play speed to fill the role prior to breaking his ankle. A reliable running game will help mask the weaknesses on the offensive line, which is a must considering division mates Philadelphia and New York finished first and second in sacks last season. If Murray struggles, all the pressure will once again fall on Romo. Recent history says that is a bad situation for the Cowboys.

Balance has been an issue for the Cowboys on defense, as well. Thanks to a solid defensive front, Dallas has had success at rushing the passer and stopping the run. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, in particular, is one of the best pass rushers in the game. However, the Dallas secondary allowed almost 250 yards per game last season. The Cowboys took the first step in correcting the problem by moving up in the draft to select cover corner Morris Claiborne. That being said, he is still a rookie, and the rest of the secondary still needs work. With the high-powered offenses of New York and Philadelphia also residing in the NFC East, a poor secondary is a recipe for another disaster.

The schedule doesn’t do the Cowboys any favors either. In addition to being in the same division as the defending Super Bowl champs and a loaded Philadelphia team, Dallas also has to face the AFC North and NFC South. Those two divisions produced five playoff teams last seasons. For a team that never seems to be at full strength, tackling such a rough schedule is going to be tough. Throw in the inconsistencies the Cowboys will be dealing with on both sides of the ball, and a division title seems out of reach. After all, Dallas could have won the NFC East last year with a 9-7 record and couldn’t get the job done. It will likely take an even better record this season, and the Cowboys just don’t have the pieces in place to pull it off.

Prediction: 8-8, 3rd Place NFC East

2012 Dallas Cowboys Odds
Odds to Win Super Bowl: 22/1
Vegas Team Wins Over/Under Odds: 9 Wins
Odds to Win NFC East: +260
Odds to Win NFC: 11/1

2012 Dallas Cowboys Weekly Schedule
DATE OPPONENT TV
09/05/2012 at NY Giants N/A
09/16/2012 at Seattle N/A
09/23/2012 vs Tampa Bay N/A
10/01/2012 vs Chicago N/A
10/14/2012 at Baltimore N/A
10/21/2012 at Carolina N/A
10/28/2012 vs NY Giants N/A
11/04/2012 at Atlanta N/A
11/11/2012 at Philadelphia N/A
11/18/2012 vs Cleveland N/A
11/22/2012 vs Washington N/A
12/02/2012 vs Philadelphia N/A
12/09/2012 at Cincinnati N/A
12/16/2012 vs Pittsburgh N/A
12/23/2012 vs New Orleans N/A
12/30/2012 at Washington N/A

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