NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) ,Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23), and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) take a breather during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bengals 34-7.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 12: Dak Prescott No. 4 of the Dallas Cowboys runs away from Adrian Clayborn No. 99 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

18. Dallas Cowboys

Placing the franchise tag on Demarcus Lawrence has been the only big offseason move for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. Actually, I take that back. The team did re-sign long snapper L.P. Ladouceur to a one-year deal. He returns primed for another strong season. With plenty of big-name free agents available, a big market team like the Cowboys stayed quiet. No Sammy Watkins, Michael Crabtree, or even Tyrann Mathieu. Fans are left frustrated wondering what exactly Jerry Jones is up to.

The Cowboys aren’t a team that can afford to be stagnant this time a year. Coming off an 8-8 season in unacceptable for this group, even with Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension as the primary excuse. A once dominant offensive line still has plenty of key pieces but Chaz Green at left guard is a major liability. And what about help for Dak Prescott? His breakout rookie season is in the past and there were noticeable struggles in Elliott’s absence. Dez Bryant can’t be the go-to receiver and Jason Witten is slowly entering his final years.

The needs definitely outweigh what the Cowboys currently have on their roster. It’s going to take a strong draft to address some of the glaring needs. With one of the biggest and most loyal fanbases, the expectation every season is to win a Super Bowl. This is a borderline wild-card team at best right now.

Jason Garrett has long been on the hot seat and I don’t think that changes this season. In fact, it might even get worse.

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