Report: Dallas Cowboys have the easiest schedule in 2016
One football analyst believes the Dallas Cowboys have the easiest regular season schedule in the NFL in 2016.
After posting a 4-12 record last season, it would certainly make sense that the Dallas Cowboys may face less successful opponents than the ones they played after posting a 12-4 record and a playoff victory in 2014.
But is it the easiest schedule in the NFL? One football analyst believes so. But before reading his reasons at to why, let’s review the Cowboys upcoming regular season schedule.
Week One, Sunday, 9/11/16 – 3:25pm CST – New York Giants
Week Two, Sunday, 9/18/16 – 12:00 noon, CST – @ Washington Redskins
Week Three, Sunday, 9/25/16 – 7:30pm, CST – Chicago Bears
Week Four, Sunday, 10/02/16 – 3:25pm, CST – @ San Francisco 49ers
Week Five, Sunday, 10/09/16 – 3:25pm CST – Cincinnati Bengals
Week Six, Sunday, 10/16/16 – 3:25pm CST – @ Green Bay Packers
Week Seven – Bye
Week Eight, Sunday, 10/30/16 – 7:30pm CST – Philadelphia Eagles
Week Nine, Sunday, 11/06/16 – 12:00 noon CST – @ Cleveland Browns
Week Ten, Sunday, 11/13/16 – 3:25pm CST – @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Eleven, Sunday, 11/20/16 – 12:00 noon CST – Baltimore Ravens
Week Twelve, Thursday, 11/24/16 – 3:30pm CST – Washington Redskins
Week Thirteen, Thursday, 12/01/16 – 7:25pm CST – @ Minnesota Vikings
Week Fourteen, Sunday, 12/11/16 – 7:30pm CST – @ New York Giants
Week Fifteen, Sunday, 12/18/16 – 12:00 noon CST – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Sixteen, Monday, 12/26/16 – 7:30pm CST – Detroit Lions
Week Seventeen, Sunday,1/01/17 – 12:00 noon CST – @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys biggest advantage comes from the fact they play in what is likely the weakest division in the NFL. With NFC East opponents the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles both experiencing head coaching changes in the offseason, both are likely a year or two away from real contention.
The NFC East champion Washington Redskins won the title last year despite posting a 9-7 season ending record. It seems that most agree the Cowboys should win the division in a landslide if their core stars remain healthy.
Outside of Dallas’ divisional rivals, the Cowboys will face some stiff competition. By no means will 2016 be a cakewalk for America’s Team. On tap for the Cowboys are some of the top teams in the NFL. Those franchises include the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals,
Despite that fact, Warren Sharp, a contributor for Rotoworld.com still believes the Cowboys actually have the easiest regular season schedule in the NFL. Here’s his explanation as to why.
"“While Dallas does not have any particular empty spots on the schedule, they do play two of the three worst teams based on projections (@ CLE, @ SF),” Sharp wrote for the fantasy football website. “From a scheduling spot, a team should want to play bad opponents on the road, and save the most difficult games for their own building…four of their six most high-profile games will be in Dallas. The only downside to their schedule appears to be that their three toughest opponents (GB, PIT, MIN) all will be played on the road. However, after playing in Pittsburgh on November 13, the Cowboys (a dome team) play just two more games outdoors (@ NYG, @ PHI).”"
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Although Cowboys fans are likely hoping Sharp is right, the one of many factors that may not be contributed for in this prediction is the fact Dallas plays terrible at home. Last season, the Cowboys posted one victory at AT&T Stadium. In 2014, all four of their losses were home games. Playing in Arlington has proven to be no home field advantage for America’s Team.