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NFL playoffs: How your team can make it

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) at the line of scrimmage with center Travis Frederick (72) against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) at the line of scrimmage with center Travis Frederick (72) against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

NFC. East. Dallas Cowboys. 1. player. 123.

The Dallas Cowboys went 12-4 last season and came within a controversial incompletion from going to the NFC Championship game. By and large, Dallas is returning the same team, with the only notable departure being NFL rushing champion, DeMarco Murray. Murray will be replaced with the trio of Lance Dunbar, Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden, something of a concern.

However, the Cowboys remain the class of the NFC East with an incredibly potent offense. Dallas has the best line in football led by the homegrown talent of Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin. Behind them is quarterback Tony Romo who threw for 3,705 yards and 34 touchdowns. With tight end Jason Witten and receiver Dez Bryant (provided he signs his contract) in the fold, Romo has a bevy of weapons to keep defenses guessing.

Dallas is going to have one of the top offenses in the league, taking the pressure off of its defense. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has a suspect group but knows how to scheme out of trouble. With second-round pick Randy Gregory looking to prove doubters wrong, Dallas has a wild card coming off the edge. If Gregory can play like the top-five talent many believe him to be, the Cowboys have a steal on their hands.

Ultimately, it would be nothing short of shocking to see Dallas miss the playoffs if it is healthy. Few teams have the explosiveness that the Cowboys provide, giving Dallas a chance to earn a bye in the loaded NFC. If Romo can continue to stay upright, he could have another Pro Bowl-type campaign. The defense doesn’t have to be great, just serviceable.

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