With the Dallas Cowboys season having seven more games left and hopefully the playoffs, I would like to analyze and predict their remaining regular season contest. From watching games as a little kid when Tony Romo took over in 2006 until now, the Cowboys have never been this exciting. Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Dez Bryant are many reasons to be excited, but I must be realistic. I would just like Dallas to secure the division title and fight for a first round come December. Here’s a look at their remaining games and my thoughts on each.
November 20th vs. Baltimore Ravens:
With this game being played in Dallas, and the Ravens owning a lifetime 4-0 record against the Cowboys, I expect a much closer game than some are calling from. I like Dallas’ offense vs Baltimore’s D and Joe Flacco does not scare me as much. If the Dallas offense keeps rolling like they did in Cleveland and Philadelphia (35 points each), I see no cause for concern.
November 24th vs Washington Redskins:
With the Cowboys already defeating Washington 27-23 in Landover earlier this season, I expect another close barn burner. Washington and Dallas seem like they almost always split the season series, no matter who has what record. I am hesitant to pick the Cowboys this week because I feel as if Washington is the second best team in the division, however I feel as if the home game on Thanksgiving and hot hand will push them over the top. Kirk Cousins, against our secondary could be dangerous though. He had an awful first half in Landover on September 18th and still almost lead his team to victory.
December 1st vs Minnesota Vikings:
I understand the Vikings are reeling, but I fully expect them to be playing much better by the time the Cowboys come into town. I see the Vikings and the Cowboys both being playoff teams, and the possibility for a playoff rematch as well. When the Vikings take care of the ball on the offensive side, their defense is dominating. I see Mike Zimmer’s team giving rookie Dak Prescott fits and handing the Cowboys their 2nd loss.
December 11th vs. New York Giants:
Going to the Meadowlands isn’t always easy, but it’ll have an added dimension with Dallas trying to avoid the season sweep. I see this game playing out extremely different with the young cowboys wanting revenge for their home loss week one. I definitely anticipate more points from both teams, as I think Odell Beckham will give Dallas fits as well. I think it’ll play out with Dallas suffering the loss but in the end ultimately grabbing the division title.
December 18th vs. Tampa Bay:
The Buccaneers do not impress me that much as they are very hot and cold. Additionally, their D is very shaky as well. If Dallas can minimize the damage from Winston, Doug Martin and Mike Evans, I expect Dallas to put up massive points and take this game.
December 26th vs Detroit:
The Cowboys will be fighting for a playoff bye and good positioning within the NFC playoff race in general. Normally a Monday night game would give Dallas fits, however I believe this will be a little different. Jim Caldwell’s lions are extremely hot and cold, and I expect them to struggle vs Dallas offense. Once again I feel like lots of points will be put on the board (I don’t have to much confidence in the Dallas D) and that the Cowboys will emerge with the W.
January 1st vs Philadelphia:
This game is extremely hard to judge from one aspect: who plays (specifically QB and RB) for Dallas? If my thoughts hold true, Dallas would be 12-3 and owning a playoff spot. If home field advantage and byes are on the line, then I would expect to see Dak and Zeke battling it out in Philly. If not, could this be Tony Romo’s final start as a Dallas Cowboy? That would be interesting. Ultimately, I see Philadelphia extremely hungry after their week eight loss in Dallas, and expect Philly to get revenge. They are a solid team and play well at home.
Final prediction: The Dallas Cowboys will go 12-4 and secure a first round bye. Sitting at 8-1 right now would mean they play 4-3 football the rest of the way and that is very different from what we’ve seen so far. But this is the NFL, and we all know anything can happen. As a Cowboys fan, I look forward to the remaining seven games, and just hope we continue to play at the level we are now.
