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Dallas Cowboys set to defy Vegas expectations of a regression

By Jake Goldstein-Street

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite Vegas oddsmakers seeing a regression coming for the Dallas Cowboys, fans should still have strong hopes for the 2017 season.

After winning 13 games in 2016, the Westgate SuperBook opened betting on Sunday with a 9.5 win total for the Dallas Cowboys. Ed Salmons, the Westgate’s head football oddsmaker, told ESPN this change was due to schedule changes:

"“[The Dallas Cowboys] went from playing a last-place schedule to this year playing the first-place schedule. They’re due for regression. It’s just the natural ebbs and flows of the NFL.”"

However, America’s team boasted an outstanding 2016 season due, in part, to the sensational play of rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott. The 21-year-old Pro Bowl amassed 1,631 yards in 2016 behind an offensive line that won’t be changing at its core. Furthermore, Elliott’s role in the offense will only expand in 2017, according to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott played a huge role in the success of the Cowboys, as well, in 2016. As his confidence grows in the pocket, his success will heighten too. Also, he will be able to learn from his early mistakes and fend them off in 2017.

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Last season, the Cowboys ranked 26th in pass defense, allowing 260.4 yards per game through the air. Dallas drafted two of the most talented cornerbacks in the 2017 draft class in the first three rounds: Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. Each should make a positive impact on the Cowboys lackluster pass defense throughout the season.

Health was one of the major factors in the success of the Cowboys in 2016. Of course, fans can’t expect to have the same luck on that front, but with the new depth at important positions, like defensive end, the team can overcome occasional injuries.

As long as the Dallas Cowboys can avoid major injury trouble, the team should have no trouble winning more games than Vegas suggests and winning another NFC East title.

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