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5 reasons Dak Prescott can lead Dallas Cowboys to NFC Playoffs

By John Buhler

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum during preseason on August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum during preseason on August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Nov 8, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) runs for yards after the catch as he is chased by Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the first quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) runs for yards after the catch as he is chased by Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the first quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Schedule isn’t that brutal

Dallas may have been a terrible 4-12 football team in 2015, but the Cowboys’ 2016 NFL season schedule isn’t especially brutal. Admittedly, it won’t be easy for the depleted 2016 Cowboys to navigate sans Romo, but there are wins on the table if Dallas is willing to grab them.

The Cowboys’ first four games are very winnable: Week 1 vs. the New York Giants, Week 2 at the Washington Redskins, Week 3 vs. the Chicago Bears, and Week 4 at the San Francisco 49ers. Chicago and San Francisco are probably not NFC Playoff teams either and division games between New York and Washington are always competitive.

While the Cowboys’ next four games will have two probable losses vs. the Cincinnati Bengals Week 5 and at the Green Bay Packers in Week 6, Dallas has a much-needed Week 7 bye. Then the Cowboys have another two manageable games against two of the worst teams in football: the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 and on the road against the Cleveland Browns in Week 9.

The third quarter of the Cowboys’ 2016 NFL season will be a tell-tale sign if this is an NFC Playoff team: Week 10 at the Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 11 vs. the Baltimore Ravens, Week 12 vs. Washington, and Week 13 at the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota is going to be really good, but Pittsburgh has had offseason issues, Baltimore doesn’t have a particularly deep roster, and Washington is a division game.

Dallas’ last four games aren’t brutal at all: Week 14 at the Giants, Week 15 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Week 16 versus the Detroit Lions, and Week 17 at Philadelphia. None of these four teams qualified for the 2015 NFC Playoffs. Neither did Dallas, but there aren’t any guaranteed losses coming in their final four games.

The only three games Dallas is certainly going to lose are Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Green Bay, and Week 13 at Minnesota. With 9-7 being a regular season record capable of an NFC East Division title or a second NFC Wild Card berth, Dallas’ 2016 slate sets up nicely for Prescott to push for playoff contention.

Next: 4. Prescott has played in big games before

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