Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 19: Dez Bryant
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 19: Dez Bryant /

10. Dallas Cowboys

This is an ambitious ranking, granted. Dallas will need quarterback Tony Romo to come back from the broken vertebrae in his back and stay healthy the rest of the way. In the meantime, rookie Dak Prescott will need to continue his incredible play from the preseason, at least to some realistic degree.

Dallas has all kinds of problems on the defensive side of the ball, with Rolando McClain, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Randy Gregory all being suspended to begin the season. In addition, the secondary is a mess, relying heavily on Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne to win the day.

So why any hope of winning the East? Because the Cowboys are playing a last-place schedule and if Romo comes back and actually stays healthy, it could be the best offense in the NFL. Jason Witten is still effective at tight end, while Dez Bryant remains one of the best receivers in the game. Terrance Williams is also an underrated piece, and the offensive line is the top unit in the NFL. Factor in Ezekiel Elliott, and this is a group that can average 30 points per game.

It won’t be easy for the Cowboys to cover up the deficiencies on defense, and with Romo on the shelf for at least six weeks or so, it might be impossible.

Record prediction: 10-6

Next: 9. Denver Broncos