Ezekiel Elliott is still expected to file his appeal towards the six-game suspension that was handed down last Friday. With that being said, one would have to wonder how the NFL could go about lowering the suspension to a lesser length if it already states that first time violators of domestic abuse get an automatic six-game suspension. While it would be nice to see this punishment lowered to three or four games, I do actually expect the appeal to be upheld, which means Elliott won’t suit up until week 8. We had worked on our full 16-game prediction, but following this recent news, I thought it would be nice to give you my thoughts on how the Dallas Cowboys might fare until he gets back onto the field.
Week 1: Sunday, September 10 – Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
This is a big game to kick off the season with the two teams that figure to be the front runners in the NFC East. The Cowboys lost both match-ups with Ezekiel Elliott last season, so how could we expect anything different? The offensive line for the “G-Men” is a mess currently, and one would have to wonder how they can produce any sort of run game of their own. I think a few of those new defensive toys they picked up in the Draft will produce some key plays, and Dak Prescott will look to make a statement to the rest of the league, while picking up his first ‘w’ against the Giants. (Cowboys 1-0)
Week 2: Sunday, September 17 – Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
A visit to Mile High, full of loyal hardcore fans and a very dangerous defensive football team. It was a blessing that this game was early on in the schedule, instead of during the frigid months of December or January. I think this game could be one of the tougher ones during the six-game stretch, but I just can’t pick a team that doesn’t know who their starting quarterback will be, or trust either one of them for that matter, to beat Prescott and company. The Cowboys’ running game may get stifled throughout, but I expect the Cowboys defensive side of the ball to make a key play against whatever quarterback the Broncos throw out there. (Cowboys 2-0)
Week 3: Monday, September 25 – Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals
Monday Night Football on ESPN. What else can you ask for? How about playing anywhere else? The Cowboys have lost four of the last five to the Cardinals since 2008, most of them in excruciating fashion. I predict the Cardinals will take a step back this season, as I’m just not sure how that weak offensive line can keep Carson Palmer standing upright. With that being said, a game against “America’s Team” on Monday Night Football will be plenty motivation for this team early on in the season. I think Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, and the high powered Cardinals offense has more than enough to win in a shootout in the desert. (Cowboys 2-1)
Week 4: Sunday, October 1 – Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams
This game will be much needed for the Cowboys after facing three real tough games to start the season. The Rams have been picked by some to take a big leap this season, but a return back to Big D will be just what the ‘Boys need to take care of a game they should and will need to win without Elliott. The Rams do pose a nice triple threat on offense – Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and the newly acquired Sammy Watkins. I think Goff still has some refining to do in regards to his game, and I think that shows in this one. He has the weapons, but will miss on a few opportunities in this one. I look for the Cowboys offense, especially Darren McFadden, to explode in this one after facing three tough defenses early on in the season. (Cowboys 3-1)
Week 5: Sunday, October 8 – Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers
My oh my, what could have been in this one. In a rematch of last year’s divisional round match-up, this one figured to be a big “revenge game” for the Cowboys. While I think this game will still be competitive, I worry that the Cowboys won’t be able to keep their offense on the field as much due to a weaker run game, and that will lead to Aaron Rodgers getting more opportunities with his offense, and we all know too well how that works out in the end. The Cowboys will give this game everything they got, especially with the bye week coming up, so I think this one tends to be another shootout, one where Aaron Rodgers once again makes another big play to seal up a victory. (Cowboys 3-2)
Week 7: Sun, October 22 – Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Sure the news of the six-game suspension was a shot to the gut for all of Cowboys Nation, but what about an early Christmas present? The Cowboys not only face a team that went 2-14 last season and are heading in a new direction with new Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, but they will have plenty of time to prepare for this one. The Cowboys cruise to victory in the Bay Area, lead by Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant, who figure to connect on more than just a few occasions. (Cowboys 4-2)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.