Analysis of Dallas Cowboys midseason schedule predicts 7-9 finish
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Owner Jerry Jones thinks the Dallas Cowboys have a chance at the NFC East title and the playoffs if they turn a 2-6 start into a 7-9 finish. That’s how little he respects the other teams in the division. Any hopes the Cowboys have of making a playoff push lie in the thought that no division foe is good enough to run away and hide. The Cowboys need to get to at least 8-8, if not 9-7, to make the playoffs.
A look at their final eight games.
Schedule Analysis
Sunday @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers This is a must-win for the Cowboys if they have any hope of making a run. Greg Hardy is mad at the world. Dez Bryant is angry at the media. Look for an explosion on the pirate ship. Win
Nov. 22 @ Miami Dolphins Tony Romo is back for the first time. So there are no more excuses. It won’t be easy; Miami can be salty on defense. But the Cowboys will be inspired by the return of their leader. Win
Nov. 26 Carolina Panthers This is where the Cowboys take a step back. Romo didn’t look good last year on a short week with his back issues. Look for a disappointing redo, ruining Hardy’s matchup against his former team. Loss
Dec. 7 @Washington Redskins This game is critical if the Cowboys want to continue the Romo-mentum they have gained by the quarterback’s return. The Redskins have injured Romo in each of the past two years. But they are not a good team. Win
Dec. 13 @ Green Bay Packers The Cowboys have been waiting on this game since last January and the disputed non-catch by Bryant. The problem is that they still can’t get a consistent pass rush to affect Aaron Rodgers. Loss
Dec. 19 New York Jets The Jets are salty on defense and will put a lot of blitz pressure on Romo. But their offense is pedestrian at best. It won’t be pretty. It doesn’t have to be pretty. They just need a win. Win
Dec. 27 @ Buffalo This is where the rubber meets the road for the surging and desperate Cowboys. A cold weather game at Buffalo will be no picnic. The Bills are also chasing a playoff berth and will be too much to overcome. Loss
Jan. 3 Washington Redskins The idea that the Cowboys could still win the division at 7-9 is only a dream conjured up in the mind of Jones. That’s not going to happen. That’s not realistic. But the Cowboys will not give up and play hard to the end. Win
This story was originally published November 14, 2015 at 4:27 PM with the headline "Analysis of Dallas Cowboys midseason schedule predicts 7-9 finish."