Top 10 favorites for Super Bowl LI

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Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) leaves the field during the game against the Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. The Panthers defeat the Cowboys 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Dallas Cowboys

It’s a little too easy to forget that Dallas was one controversial non-catch away from potentially playing the Seahawks in last year’s NFC Championship Game. That’s how good this team was in 2014.

Of course, the Cowboys went 4-12 this season and quickly erased any hopes of building on that positive momentum. Not only did the team finish last in their division, but they also finished dead last in their conference as a whole.

So is it ludicrous including them on this list of Super Bowl LI contenders? Perhaps, but perhaps not. In the four games that Tony Romo at least played some parts of, Dallas went 3-1. The team’s best player on offense (Dez Bryant) missed nearly half the season, and its best player on defense (Sean Lee) missed at least two games for the fourth time in his five-year career as a pro.

If Dallas can keep those three healthy and on the field together for a full season, there’s no reason to doubt the Cowboys can at least challenge again in a weak NFC East.

Next: 9. Cincinnati Bengals

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