Dallas Cowboys Schedule Analysis
Dallas Cowboys Schedule Analysis
Last week, the NFL released the 2019 NFL schedule. Buzz has been around the media regarding big matchups, marquee games, and games that can decide a playoff spot for some teams. As for the Dallas Cowboys, they drew a schedule that is rather medium. Not a cakewalk of a ride, but it is a schedule where Dallas can easily win a few of these games in blowout fashion. Here we will go in-depth into their schedule.
AFC East
Week 3 vs. Miami
Week 6 @ NY Jets
Week 12 @ New England
Week 13 vs. Buffalo
For the Dallas Cowboys to have success and repeat as division winners in 2019, it is crucial for them to beat up on the AFC East. Obviously, Dallas is not going to walk over the New England Patriots, but the rest of the division is very vulnerable. The Jets revamped their team and should be much improved from last year, but Dallas is still far more superior than Gang Green on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Dallas’ home games are against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, two teams that are going to be in the bottom tier of the league. Dallas needs to go into these games and dominate. Dominate the way a Super Bowl caliber team should. Dallas should win 3 of 4 in this division, which would put them in a good spot for their season.
NFC North
Week 5 vs. Green Bay
Week 10 vs. Minnesota
Week 11 @ Detroit
Week 14 @ Chicago
The other division Dallas will play this year is the NFC North. While this division is better than the AFC East, it is not by much. The NFC North screams mediocrity. Not one of these teams jumps out. The toughest task Dallas will face is on the road against Chicago. Chicago boasts one of the best defenses in football, with a questionable offense. Detroit should be a game Dallas handles easily as the firepower on Dallas should be enough to beat the Lions in Detroit Week 11. Dallas draws Green Bay and Minnesota for their home games, and these games should be tough. While both teams are mediocre, their star power can erupt at any moment and take over a game.
Division
Week 1 vs. NY Giants
Week 2 @ Washington
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia
Week 9 @ NY Giants
Week 16 @ Philadelphia
Week 17 vs. Washington
The NFC East is extremely top heavy. Fortunately, Dallas is at the top along with the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though division games are always a tougher task, Dallas should roll over the Giants and the Redskins. They have far more talent than both teams and should be able to win both games for each team with no problem. As for the Eagles, it will be a dogfight. I believe that the division will ultimately come down to who comes out of the dogfight alive. Last year, it was Dallas, but it could have easily gone the other way. It should be a fun matchup to watch this year and could put one of these teams in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot.
Extra Games
Week 4 @ New Orleans
Week 15 vs. Rams
Because Dallas won their division in 2018, they have drawn a “first-place schedule”. Every team gets two extra games from a set of two divisions. Since Dallas finished in first, they will play two first-place teams and the teams they drew are going to be very tough tasks for Dallas. They go into the Superdome to play the New Orleans Saints and are home against the Los Angeles Rams. Dallas beat the Saints last year in the regular season and got dominated by Los Angeles in the Divisional Round. Dallas can compete with both teams, but to guarantee wins against either team would be a serious stretch. If Dallas can come out on top against one of these teams, it could really help their playoff chances.
Prediction (11-5)
Week 1 vs. NY Giants W
Week 2 @ Washington W
Week 3 vs. Miami W
Week 4 @ New Orleans L
Week 5 vs. Green Bay L
Week 6 @ NY Jets W
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia W
Week 8 BYE
Week 9 @ NY Giants W
Week 10 vs. Minnesota W
Week 11 @ Detroit W
Week 12 @ New England L
Week 13 vs. Buffalo W
Week 14 @ Chicago W
Week 15 vs. Rams L
Week 16 @ Philadelphia L
Week 17 vs. Washington W
-By: Richie Dordas