Dallas Cowboys

Lone Star Power

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a heartbreaking season; they just barely missed the playoffs after losing star running back Ezekiel Elliot for 6 games of the 2017, in which they went 3-3. Elliot returned for a must win game against the Seattle Seahawks in week 16, but the Cowboys lost 12-21 despite Elliot's return, causing them to miss the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboy betting for this year is hopeful, however, as the team returns mostly healthy and intact. Head Coach Jason Garrett is in his 8th year at the helm and has a team that on paper is capable of competing for a division title. According to our NFL Sportsbook, the Cowboys are behind only the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles as favorites to come out on top of the NFC East.

A Busy Offseason

The Cowboys had some important signings during the off season, most notably wide receiver Allen Hurns from the Jacksonville Jaguars and RB/WR Tavon Austin, a former first round draft pick from the Rams. The Cowboys also drafted Guard Connor Williams, who was a consensus All American and All-Big 12 selection in 2016 out of the University of Texas.

Perhaps the biggest move of all though was re-signing Guard Zac Martin, who has been with the Cowboys since 2014 and has been a dominant force on the offensive line since cracking the lineup. He has twice been selected as a first team all-pro and twice more as a second team All-Pro.

All of these moves have bolstered the Cowboys betting odds, which can be checked on our up to date Sportsbook.

Focused on Offence

The signings of Hurns, Austin and Martin help establish the Cowboys as an offence-minded team. All three will go leaps and bounds in helping young quarterback Dak Prescott feel more comfortable in the pocket, giving him the protection and options he needs to succeed. After a very successful rookie campaign, Prescott had a more difficult run his sophomore year and is looking to bounce back in 2018.

An improved situation for Prescott, combined with the return of Elliot, and a bolstered offensive line means that the Cowboys have the pieces in place for a great season offensively. This was the same formula for success they used the last two times they won the division, in 2014 and 2016 when Elliot and DeMarco Murray were NFL rushing leaders.

Not Without a Loss

While the Cowboys were mostly concerned with adding players to their roster, the offseason did not come without some casualties. The most notable loss was tight end Jason Witten, the longtime Pro Bowler. He decided to retire in April and will be joining the Monday Night Football broadcast crew. Geoff Swaim, Rico Gathers and rookie Dalton Schultz will vie for his replacement.

Also gone is Dez Bryant, the wide receiver who lead all NFL players in receiving touchdowns in 2014. His contract ran out in 2017 and the Cowboys decided not to renew him. Terrence Williams and Cole Beasly will take over for him at that position.

All these changes put the Cowboys in a good position to compete, but we will not know just how good they are until the first snap of the 2018 season.

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