'Cowboys Fans On Edge!' But Odds Favor Dallas to Again Win NFC East?
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have thus far failed to make any significant additions to their roster in free agency, while the exit door from The Star in Frisco has been wide open.
Despite owner Jerry Jones proclaiming the team's "all-in" status for 2024, the team has seemingly been a non-player in free agency and failed to improve the roster on either side of the ball a week into the open market period.
Still ... there are some true believers.
The latest Power Rankings from NFL.com were released on Wednesday and yes, the Cowboys have fallen from the last rankings that were released after the Super Bowl in February.
At the same time, the Cowboys are still the NFC East favorite per BetOnline_ag ... Those odds?
Dallas Cowboys 11/10 (+110)
Philadelphia Eagles 13/10 (+130)
New York Giants 9/1 (+900)
Washington Commanders 10/1 (+1000)
How can that be? What are the critics (us included) missing? Maybe it starts with still being a "top-10 team.''
In the aforementioned NFL.com rankings? While the top five teams have remained the same with Kansas City, San Francisco, Baltimore, Detroit and Buffalo holding the Nos. 1-5 spots respectively, the Cowboys, who were No. 6 in February, have fallen to No. 10.
No. 10 Dallas Cowboys - 2023 Record: 12-5
"The Cowboys have lost quite a bit early on, including two starting offensive linemen, their starting running back, two pass rushers who combined for nearly 700 snaps in 2023, plus depth in other spots. Can Dallas fill all those voids simply through the draft, even with the team currently set to pick at the ends of most rounds? Given the limited salary-cap space available, the Cowboys might have to make a cheap but smart veteran addition or two along the way.
"The need at running back should be the easiest to meet, even if this year does not feature a banner draft class at that position. Dallas will have to work to address the other holes. It's understandable that some Cowboys fans are on edge this offseason."
While Dallas' "all-in" strategy has it falling four spots since the last rankings, the dreaded and feared Philadelphia Eagles have jumped ahead to No. 6 after their early offseason moves.
Also leaping ahead of the Cowboys from the NFC are the Green Bay Packers at No. 8 after making significant additions to their roster.
If Jones and the Cowboys are truly "all-in" this season, they're holding their cards close to the vest. Maybe April's NFL Draft will give the fans some reason for excitement. Or maybe, if NFL.com and the oddsmakers are right? Dallas will end up being just fine. Somehow.
