This is the fifth in a series of articles previewing the NFL season, featuring the NFC East. Whatifsports.com will utilize our NFL simulation technology, statistical research capabilities, and up-to-the minute roster and depth chart information to preview the upcoming NFL season.
Rosters and depth charts are up-to-date and as accurate as possible as of June 8, 2008. A schedule of upcoming NFL preview content, including links to other previews that have already been posted, is located here.
For details on how we generate the results and the definition of the Absolute Record, click here.
Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
The Super Bowl run by the Giants after they defeated the Cowboys may not have sweetened the taste in the Cowboys' mouths, but this is still a very good, balanced team that had a great 2007 and should match that in 2008. The Cowboys average 29.9 points per game (#2 in the NFL) and allow 19.7 points (#6) against a schedule featuring eight games against 2007 playoff teams.
Absolute Record: 15-1
Most Significant Newcomer: Zach Thomas, LB—He probably should not be playing another season, but he signed with the Cowboys and could, yet again, be a tackling machine (when healthy). It's Thomas' chance to win a Super Bowl, and he will do everything he can to get his team there. We have Thomas with 100 tackles in 12 games. If those four missed games are the final four of the season and the injury has anything to do with his head, Thomas may be forced to retire before Dallas could vie for a spot in the Super Bowl.
Biggest Strength: Balance—This team does not have any obvious weaknesses (I just killed my next topic). The Cowboys have talent at every position and do just about everything well.
Most Exploitable Weakness: Uncertainty on Offense—Dallas can do just about everything well, but players like Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Patrick Crayton and even Tony Romo have never had to sustain a level of excellence for an entire season in the roles that they will be asked to fulfill in 2008. All the numbers point to success by the entire offense, but it is cause for concern.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Martellus Bennett, TE—Jason Witten is the top-rated fantasy TE in the league and that is exactly why. Tony Romo loves a safety blanket over the middle. Witten is not injury-prone, but if he does slip up, Bennett is the player who will step up. And even if Witten is healthy all year, Bennett is too athletic and too skilled for Jason Garrett to ignore. The simulation gives him 23 catches for 275 yards and two touchdowns, while Witten plays all 16 games.
Closest Game: @ New York Giants (Week 9)—It is the only projected loss on the schedule. These teams may have to face each other three times again in 2008. If that's the case, the outcomes of the first two games may decide who has home-field in the third game.
Fantasy Notables (fantasy rank at position in parentheses): Tony Romo (3) 4,103 yards, 31 TDs, 17 INTs; Marion Barber (6) 1,548 total yards, 15 TDs; Felix Jones (39) 698 total yards, 9 touchdowns; Terrell Owens (3) 87 receptions, 1,335 yards, 9 TDs; Patrick Crayton (No. 40) 52 receptions, 709 yards,6 TDs; Jason Witten (1) 88 receptions, 1,040 yards, 8 TDs; Nick Folk (1) 51/51 XPs, 32/39 FGs
Projected 2008 Results:
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