2013 NFL Predictions: Dallas Cowboys Projected Wins plus NFC and Super Bowl Odds

2013 NFL Predictions: Dallas Cowboys Projected Wins plus NFC and Super Bowl Odds: Based on popularity and revenue, an argument can definitely be made that the Dallas Cowboys are still America’s team. The problem is that America’s team hasn’t been winning any important games lately, and last year was a perfect example. With two games left in the regular season, Dallas was in position to win the NFC East. Even after losing in overtime to New Orleans, the Cowboys still controlled their own destiny heading into the season finale with the Washington Redskins. However, quarterback Tony Romo threw three interceptions, and the Dallas defense allowed Washington rookie Alfred Morris to run for 200 yards and three scores as the Redskins cruised to a 28-18 victory to take the division title and leave the Cowboys out of the postseason yet again. Heading into the 2013 NFL season, the Cowboys will still be looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

The Good News:

At this point in his career, Tony Romo can basically be penciled in for around 30 touchdowns, and the Dallas offense should be potent. After all, receiver Dez Bryant looked fully capable of becoming the best in the NFL at his position in the second half of last year, and Jason Witten is coming off a year when he set the single-season record for catches by a tight end. Dallas also used its first-round pick on center Travis Frederick, filling one of its biggest needs with the best prospect at the position. Dallas should also be better on the defensive side of the ball. The Cowboys are shifting to a 4-3 base, which should better utilize the pass-rushing skills of DeMarcus Ware. Meanwhile, Ware should get back to playing at an All-Pro level after gutting out 11.5 sacks last year despite playing with only one healthy arm.

The Bad News:

The Cowboys rushing attack was terrible least year, and running back DeMarco Murray has shown no signs that he will be able to stay healthy for an entire season. As great as he was last year, Bryant has also battled injuries throughout his young career, and if goes down, the Cowboys’ offense becomes a lot easier to slow down. On the defensive side of the ball, 2012 first-round pick Morris Claiborne struggled at times as a starting corner, and he still has room to improve. Meanwhile, starting defensive tackle Jay Ratliff will miss at least the first six weeks of the season, leaving an already-suspect run defense without one of its most effective players. Of course, there is also Dallas’ uncanny ability to come up small in every big spot, and at some point, the mental scars of so many past failures become tough to overcome.

 Outlook:

At the end of the day, the Cowboys have more than enough talent to win the NFC East and make the playoffs. However, the same could have been said every year since they last made the playoffs. Inconsistent play is a given with this current core of players, and for all the star power the Romo, Bryant, Ware and others provide, something just seems to be missing. It seems almost inevitable that something is going to go wrong at the most inopportune time. Whether it is an injury to one of the key players or simply a mistake on the part of Romo or someone else that costs Dallas a game, the Cowboys always find a way to come up short. Dallas will be in the thick of things all year in the division, but in the end, the Cowboys will miss out on the playoffs and will likely do so in heartbreaking fashion.

Prediction: 9-7, Tied for Second in the NFC East

Dallas Cowboys Odds to Win NFC East: +200
Dallas Cowboys Odds to Win NFC: +1500
Dallas Cowboys Odds to Win Super Bowl: +2500

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