Dallas Cowboys: The must win games of 2019
By Jack Baker
The Dallas Cowboys are looking to become the first team to win the NFC East in back to back years since 2004. To do so, they must win these games.
Coming off a division title in 2018, the Dallas Cowboys will have to face the NFL’s best in 2019. Playing a first place schedule has never favored the Cowboys in recent years. The last two times (2015,2017) the Cowboys have played the first-place schedule the record has been a combined 13-19.
Let’s look deeper into the schedule and pick out the must-win games in order to have another successful season.
The first three
The Cowboys open the season with what should be three easy wins. Opening up with the New York Giants at home, the Cowboys should take advantage of the circus that is Giants football.
After week one, the Cowboys head up to Washington in Week 2, whether it is rookie Dwayne Haskins or Case Keenum under center, the Cowboys are the better team and should take capture another win and send an early message to the division.
Dallas returns home in week three to face the Miami Dolphins. As of now, the Dolphins are the favorites to have the #1 overall pick in 2020, and the Cowboys need this one under their belt to start off 3-0 before they head to New Orleans the following week.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are going to be very interesting to watch for the first time in a long, long time. With young quarterback Sam Darnold and All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell the Jets have potential to make some noise around the NFL. With that being said, the Cowboys need to pick up this win at MetLife. A win on the road is never easy in the NFL and getting one here against the less superior Jets will help build the confidence of this team.
Philadelphia Eagles
Out of all these teams, it is obvious that the Philadelphia Eagles are the best of the bunch. In 2018, the Cowboys started their five-game winning streak in Philly in a gritty performance by the whole team. In 2019, it is mandatory the Cowboys get at least one win against the Eagles. I believe it will be a two-team race in the NFC East between Dallas and the Eagles, and if the Cowboys get swept by the Eagles, the division title will go back to Philadelphia.
Back to New York
Coming off the Week 8 bye, Dallas will head back to New York, this time to face the New York Giants. Expect first-round pick Daniel Jones to be under center for the Giants by this point as the Giants will most likely be struggling. A win versus the NFC least’s is a must.
Thanksgiving Day
Turkey day has always served Dallas well in recent years. Dallas has won two of the last three on Thanksgiving day and another W against a not so great Buffalo Bills team is mandatory due to the fact this game is sandwiched between road games versus the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears.
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Week 17
No matter what your record is, I am a strong believer that Week 17 is a must win for any football team. Whether it is to get momentum into the off-season or get momentum into the playoffs, it is always nice to end the regular season on a positive note. Week 17 is at home against the Redskins, it is always nice to beat Washington, but to make it a season sweep just makes it that much better. The Cowboys will need this win to keep the ball rolling into the playoffs (hopefully).