Dallas Cowboys Break Franchise Record for Consecutive Wins in Single Season

The Dallas Cowboys handed the Baltimore Ravens a 27-17 loss in Sunday's contest. In doing so, the team extended its winning streak to a franchise-record nine games, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Dallas' start to the 2016 campaign represents a stark contrast to the 4-12 record it posted just a season ago. Aided by a strong 2016 NFL draft class and an improved defense, the team owns a league-best record and may have found two mainstays in the backfield—quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Prior to this season, half of the 66 teams to start the season 9-1 have reached the Super Bowl, per ESPN Stats & Info. Given the lack of dominant teams in the NFC this season, OddsShark.com lists the Cowboys as the favorites to be the National Football Conference's Super Bowl representative—giving Dallas the second-best odds (behind only the New England Patriots) to win Super Bowl LI.

Dallas will face some tough tests over the next few weeks. The team hosts the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving this Thursday before heading on the road for contests against the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants.

Each of the three upcoming opponents owns a winning record through Week 11 and the Giants—the only team to beat the Cowboys this season—sit just two games back in the NFC East. In fact, all of the Cowboys' remaining six games are against teams with .500 or better records entering Week 12.

Despite the tough road, the Cowboys have already emerged victorious in some equally difficult games this season.

The club also received some encouraging news regarding their rookie class Monday. Second-round pick Jaylon Smith was activated off the non-football injury list and the nerves in his knee have begun regenerating. Though he's not expected to play this season, the Cowboys have a lot to be thankful for and a bright-looking future heading into Thursday's Thanksgiving tilt.