NFL Predictions 2009: Dallas finished 9-7 for the third time in the last four seasons last year, much to the surprise of football fans everywhere. The Cowboys were expected to contend for an appearance in the Super Bowl after going 13-3 in 2007, but instead found themselves watching the playoffs from their living rooms. Sportsbetting.com has Dallas' regular season win total set at 9 with the over a -120 favorite in their Dallas Cowboy NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010.
Dallas Head Coach Wade Phillips enters his third year with the franchise seated squarely on the hot seat. The Cowboys failed to meet expectations a season ago and had enough locker room issues by the end of the year to satisfy two clubs. Phillips is, no doubt, aware that Jerry Jones would love to bring in Mike Shanahan, so, anything less than a Super Bowl run may not be enough for the soft spoken coach to save his job.
Working in Phillips favor is a highly talented group of offensive players. Yes, Jones jettisoned perpetual malcontent Terrell Owens as well as his 1052 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, but the offensive roster still includes the likes of Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Roy Williams, Marion Barber, and Felix Jones.
The unit underachieved last year, averaging 22.6 points and 344 yards per game, but should be closer to the 28.4 average they posted in 2007 this season. Romo no longer has to worry about Owens stirring discontent and Roy Williams has the ability to post Owens' like numbers if he stays focused.
Additionally, Marion Barber was not as effective as the go-guy last season, rushing for 885 yards while averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. With Felix Jones healthy (averaged 8.9 yards per carry before being sidelined with a hamstring injury), Barber should see his production levels back on the rise.
Defensively the Cowboys did a lot of things well last year, ranking eighth in yards allowed, fifth in passing yards allowed, and first in sacks (59); however, they generated very few turnovers (-11 turnover margin) and they gave up 22.8 points per game (20th).
Linebacker Greg Ellis, who had eight sacks last season, was shown the door as well as a number of other defenders, including Adam Jones, Tank Johnson, Roy Williams, and Zach Thomas. The club signed linebacker Keith Brooking, defensive end Igor Olshansky, and strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh.
The unit should be the same or better with the new additions aiding a solid core that includes linebacker DeMarcus Ware (20 sacks in 2008), cornerback Terrence Newman, and defensive end Marcus Spears.
The Cowboys open the season on September 13th in Tampa Bay. They return home in week two to face the New York Giants.
Sportsbetting.com Dallas Cowboys NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
Dallas Cowboys Regular Season Wins:
Over 9 (-120)
Under 9 (+100)
Dallas Cowboys Odds to Win the NFC East Division:
12 – 5
Dallas Cowboys Odds to Win the 2010 NFC Championship:
7 – 1
Dallas Cowboys Super Odds 2010:
16 – 1
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