Is This the Year of the Cowboys in the NFL?

The Dallas Cowboys are focused on winning their first Super Bowl since the 1995 NFL season.

The Dallas Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since the 1995 NFL season, but they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders this year.

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History Makers

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa after sacking New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa recorded two of the team’s seven sacks in the season opener against the New York Giants. Adam Hunger / AP Photo

The Cowboys embarrassed the Giants in Game 1 with a historic 40-0 beatdown, the largest shutout win in team history.

Dallas won the sack battle 7-0, won the turnover battle 3-0, blocked a field goal, and had a pick-6.

It’s only one game, but it made a statement.

They’re Getting Stronger

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard runs the ball

Tony Pollard is RB1 for the Dallas Cowboys. Bryan Woolston / AP Photo

The Cowboys had one of the NFL’s most well-rounded teams last year. They finished top-5 in run and pass defense and top 12 in run and pass offense per EPA. Dak Prescott finished top-10 in EPA. Ezekiel Elliott, who was let go, was one of the most obvious pieces holding this team back.

Replacing him in the lead role is Tony Pollard, who finished last season third in percentage of runs over 15 yards and third in yards after contact. The Cowboys also upgraded at wide receiver by trading for Brandin Cooks.

They’re more complete now.

Elite Defense Squared

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons

The Cowboys can make life miserable for opposing offenses. Adam Hunger / AP Photo

The Cowboys’ biggest weakness was depth in the secondary, which they addressed by signing Stephon Gilmore.

Gilmore was graded out as the sixth-best coverage cornerback by Pro Football Focus in 2022 and got his first interception as a Cowboy in Week 1.

Defensively, the Cowboys are top-5 in every advanced metric, and Dan Quinn’s defense should live up to that billing again.

Still Some Unanswered Questions

Entering the 2023 NFL season, Dak Prescott had a 61-36 regular-season record and was 2-4 in the playoffs. Bryan Woolston / AP Photo

The biggest concern for the Cowboys comes on the offensive side of the balll. Head coach Mike McCarthy is calling plays for their “Texas Coast Offense” with new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer replacing Kellen Moore.

We still don’t know if Dak Prescott can play under pressure. There are also depth issues at running back and wide receiver, along with inexperience at tight end after Dalton Schultz’s departure.

If injuries pile up, will things go south? Can they duplicate their good fortune with net turnovers (second in 2022)? And can they win when it matters?

NFC East 2023-24

Philadelphia Eagles +100
Dallas Cowboys +105
Washington Commanders +1900
New York Giants +2200

Super Potential

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland scores after intercepting a pass

Beware of hungry Cowboys. Adam Hunger / AP Photo

The Cowboys won 12 games in the 2022 season. Their schedule got harder.

While they have some concerns on offense, there is no reason to think Dallas’ defense won’t step up to the challenge.

This team understands it’s a long journey. If they stay consistent, watch out.

Cowboys Betting Insights

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Chauncey Golston celebrates with teammates

The Cowboys are focused on winning. Bryan Woolston / AP Photo

Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys overperform expectations on a week-to-week basis this season.

The Cowboys had a 9-7-1 record against the spread in 2022.
Last season, eight Cowboys games went over the point total.
The Cowboys ranked 11th in the NFL in total offense with 354.9 yards per game in 2022 and 12th in total defense with 330.2 yards allowed per contest.
The Cowboys scored 467 points (27.5 per game) last season (4th of 32) and allowed 342 points (20.1, 5th of 32).
The Cowboys went 8-1 at home and 4-4 on the road.
When underdogs, the Cowboys had three victories (3-2) versus a 6-5-1 record when favored.
The Cowboys were 8-4 vs. the NFC, including 4-2 in the NFC East.
The Cowboys have an 8-5 record as underdogs at home since 2016.

This article originally appeared in the weekly Stadium Talk newsletter with Betting Predators, a sports betting media platform. Subscribe to our newsletter.

The Betting Predators 2023 NFL Premium Package is live. Use code “BETNFL” for $75 OFF any premium package order.

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