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2018 NFC East Preview: Can the Dallas Cowboys finish first?

By Tyrone Starr

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts with safety Xavier Woods #25 of the Dallas Cowboys after breaking up a fourth down pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyboys defeated the Cardinals 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts with safety Xavier Woods #25 of the Dallas Cowboys after breaking up a fourth down pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyboys defeated the Cardinals 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

Dallas Cowboys

2017 Record/Finish: 9-7, 2nd in NFC East
Offensive Ranks (2017): 14th (scoring), 14th (total yards), 26th (passing), 2nd (rushing)
Defensive Ranks (2017): 14th (scoring), 8th (total yards), 11th (passing), 8th (rushing)
Key offseason additions: T Cameron Fleming (NE), WR Allen Hurns (JAX)
Key offseason losses: WR Dez Bryant (FA), TE Jason Witten (Retired), K Dan Bailey (FA)
Key draft pick: G Connor Williams
Toughest multi-game stretch: Weeks 6-11 (vs. Jacksonville, at Washington, vs. Tennessee, at Philadelphia, at Atlanta)
Vegas Over/Under for wins: 8.5
Projected 2018 record: 9-7

The Dallas Cowboys are, without question, the toughest team to predict in 2018. If everything goes right, they could win 12 games, the division and go deep into the playoffs. If the wheels fall off, they could win 5-6 games and be looking for a new coach in 2019.

The talent is there. What is not on display is depth. The season is over if quarterback Dak Prescott goes down. It’s likely a loss if Zack Martin or Tyron Smith miss a lot of the as well. The offensive line is already dealing with the unknown as it pertains to Travis Frederick.

Defensively, this team has a legit chance to be special… if Sean Lee can stay healthy for a full season. The defensive line is one of the best units in the division. The young cornerbacks have immense talent and the linebackers haven’t been this good in many years.

Will it all come together for Dallas in 2018? I’m predicting something in the middle of disaster and destiny. Nine wins seems about right. If they can get to ten, they are a playoff team. If not, changes should be made.

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