For the first time since the mid-1990s the Dallas Cowboys strung together back-to-back seasons with double digit victories. Winning 12 games in each of the last two years has taken some of the heat off Mike McCarthy, but now it’s time for the Boys to perform when it matters most after getting bounced by the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs both years. The offense regressed last season allowing the defense to have a big year. If both areas perform there’s no reason why the Cowboys shouldn’t contend in the NFC East.
There will be a different look around Big D after the club let Ezekiel Elliott walk, though there’s a chance he returns at a smaller price, according to Jerry Jones. Zeke had the worst of his seven seasons in 2022 rushing for 876 yards though he did have 12 TDs. Tony Pollard became the go-to back rushing for over 1,000 yards with nine TDs. For the second straight season the Cowboys led the NFL in takeaways with a number of playmakers on that side of the ball.
NFL Regular Season Wins Odds
Dallas Cowboys 2023 Regular Season Win Total Odds
Cowboys Over 10 Wins -108
Cowboys Under 10 Wins -108
With Elliott out of the picture, at least for now, the offense belongs to Prescott. And with a receiving corps that now includes Brandin Cooks the hope is that Dak returns to his 2021 form when he threw for nearly 4,500 yards and 37 TDs. A thumb injury in Week 1 last year put Prescott on the shelf for five weeks and I’m not sure he ever fully recovered. The numbers were solid but he did throw a career-high 15 picks in the fewest attempts he’s had in a full season.
Though their starting QB was out for five games and Elliott had the worst season in terms of rushing yards in his career, the Cowboys ranked 10th in total offense averaging 355 yards while finishing fourth with an average of 27.5 points. The club is also stronger on the offensive line with Tyron Smith back in the mix. There’s little depth behind Pollard at running back, likely a rookie tight end becoming a major part of the offense and the lack of production from Michael Gallup that are concerning for new offensive coordinator Brian Schottehneimer.
With their 33 takeaways last year, the defense gave Prescott plenty of short fields and scoring chances. It’s hard to count on that happening again, but we said the same thing ahead of last year after Dallas led the NFL with 34 takeaways in 2021. Overall the unit placed 12th allowing 330.2 yards per game but held opponents to 37.7 percent on third down and allowed a TD on just over half of their red zone situations.
2023 Dallas Cowboys Schedule
Week 1: at New York Giants, Sunday, September 10, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Week 2: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, September 17, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 3: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 24, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 4: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, October 1, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, October 8, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Week 6: at Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, October 16, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Week 7: BYE WEEK
Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, October 29, 1 p.m. ET
Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, November 5, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 10: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, November 12, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 11: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, November 19, 1 p.m. ET
Week 12: vs. Washington Commanders, Thursday, 23, 4:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Week 13: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, November 30, 8:15 p.m. ET
Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, December 10, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Week 15: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, December 17, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 16: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, December 24, 4:25 p.m. ET
Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions, Saturday, December 30, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Week 18: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, January 7 (TBA)
With early season matchups against the Giants, Jets, Cardinals and Patriots, there’s a strong chance the Cowboys enter their Week 5 contest with the Niners undefeated. The schedule sets up nicely giving the Boys an excellent chance of hitting the OVER on their win total, though oddsmakers are undecided with the same odds on both sides. The talent closely matches that of NFC champ Philadelphia, but depth at key positions is a concern and injuries could dampen what otherwise would be a successful campaign.
NFL Odds: Dallas Cowboys OVER 10 Wins
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