The Dallas Cowboys made the playoffs last season, but came up short in their Super Bowl bid. They are determined to get back to the playoffs and win another Super Bowl. We got our first look at Dallas' road to the playoffs when the schedule was released yesterday. The Cowboys play in the tough NFC East, but many are expecting another playoff berth. Here's a game-by-game prediction of the Cowboys' schedule this year:
Week 1: New York Giants
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
New York swept the Cowboys last year, but I don't think they'll be able to accomplish that feat two years in a row. I expect these two quality teams to split their two contests this year, with the Cowboys winning in the opener.
Week 2: at Denver Broncos
Prediction: LOSS (1-1)
Denver's defense is still one of the best in the league and will be a test for Dak Prescott. Since it's on the road, I think Dallas loses a close one.
Week 3: at Arizona Cardinals
Prediction: WIN (2-1)
Last year was the start of the end for this current core group of Cardinals. I think they'll struggle this year, allowing the Cowboys to pick up an easy win.
Week 4: Los Angeles Rams
Prediction: WIN (3-1)
Jared Goff. L.O.L.
Week 5: Green Bay Packers
Prediction: WIN (4-1)
Green Bay is one of the elite teams in the NFC once again, and Aaron Rodgers will try to exploit the weaknesses in Dallas' mediocre secondary. It's also a rematch of last year's playoff game - and the Cowboys are itching to get some sort of revenge. I think they'll get it.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: at San Francisco 49ers
Prediction: WIN (5-1)
San Francisco has a LONG way to go before they'll become anything resembling a good team. They will be one of the worst teams in the NFL again.
Week 8: at Washington Redskins
Prediction: LOSS (5-2)
Kirk Cousins has had a good deal of success against the Cowboys, and he's always on top of his game at home. That will lead to an upset win for Washington.
Week 9: Kansas City Chiefs
Prediction: WIN (6-2)
Yes, the Chiefs are a really good team. However, their offense doesn't have the firepower to keep up with Dallas' high-powered unit.
Week 10: at Atlanta Falcons
Prediction: LOSS (6-3)
This will be in Atlanta's new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and while we don't know how much of a home-field advantage the new venue will give the Falcons, it's always extremely hard to beat one of the league's best teams on the road.
Week 11: Philadelphia Eagles
Prediction: WIN (7-3)
Carson Wentz is going to be really good. The Eagles are going to be really good. Key words there -- going to be. They still have several weaknesses, particularly defensively, that the Cowboys should be able to exploit.
Week 12: Los Angeles Chargers
Prediction: WIN (8-3)
The Chargers don't have many offensive weapons and are rebuilding their defense. Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott should have a field day against them.
Week 13: Washington Redskins
Prediction: WIN (9-3)
Dallas isn't going to be swept by the Redskins. This game is on a Thursday, but after playing the Chargers on Thanksgiving, they'll have a full week to prepare.
Week 14: at New York Giants
Prediction: LOSS (9-4)
The other side of the split, New York's defense will be able to have their way with Prescott at home.
Week 15: at Oakland Raiders
Prediction: LOSS (9-5)
Oakland was the second-best team in the AFC last season when quarterback Derek Carr was healthy, and all they've done is upgrade their roster this offseason. Plus, their young stars should be even better with another offseason of development. Add in the fact that this is a Sunday night game in Oakland, and you have a very, very tough game.
Week 16: Seattle Seahawks
Prediction: WIN (10-5)
The Seahawks struggled mightily on the road last year, and I think that's a trend that will continue - especially against a quality team like the Cowboys. Dallas will win a close game.
Week 17: at Philadelphia Eagles
Prediction: WIN (11-5)
In the final game of the season, Philadelphia will likely have nothing to play for, while the Cowboys will be fighting for playoff positioning. That will lead to a win for Dallas.
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