NFL Predictions: Dallas Cowboys and 3 Struggling Teams That Will Find Success

NFL predictions are always a dicey thing, especially when mercurial teams like the Dallas Cowboys are involved. We are only four weeks into the 2010 season and there has already been plenty of excitement as well as surprises.  

There are many teams struggling early this season, and even a few organizations that have yet to see a win.  Of course the season is still young, but starting off poorly has to disrupt the mindset of these players at least a little bit.

The teams that focus, ignore records, and just go out and play their style of football are the ones that have the best chances at turning their poor starts into exciting roads to glory.  

The following are the four teams that have the best chances at doing so.....

San Francisco 49ers

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers in action during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Current Record—0-3

The 2010 campaign was supposed to be the season that the 49ers made a name for themselves.  

San Francisco has not appeared in the playoffs since 2002, and was hoping that this is the year that it would return.  With an 0-3 start, those hopes are quickly diminishing, but don't count out the 49ers yet. They have a team too talented, and a coach, in Mike Singletary, who is too passionate.

The main concern, and usually always is, is the quarterback position.  Alex Smith needs to start proving that this is his sixth season in the league because, based on his play, you'd think he was still a rookie.  

This season Smith has struggled continuously, throwing 72-119 in three games for 732 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions.  The offensive line will also have to help him out a bit, already allowing seven sacks for 35 sack yards.

San Francisco 49ers' 2010 Record Prediction: 9-7

New York Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 06: Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants scores a 21-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against Terence Newman #41, Orlando Scandrick #32 and Bobby Carpenter #54 of the Dallas Cowboys at Giants Stadium on Dec

Current Record—1-2

The New York Giants began their season with an expected win over the Carolina Panthers.  Since then, they were basically dominated by the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.  

The Giants simply do not look like the same team we've been accustomed to watching the past several years.  The defense seems weak and easier to penetrate, while the offense can't put up enough points.

The Giants do gain 368.0 YPG, which ranks eighth in the NFL, but cannot seem to convert successful drives to points when they need it most.

Be prepared for this Giants team to impress for the remainder of the 2010 season, even against the tough schedule ahead, facing complicated teams like the Cowboys (twice), Vikings, Eagles, Texans, and Seahawks.

New York Giants' 2010 Record Prediction: 10-6

Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings encourages the crowd during the first half of the game against the Miami Dolphins on September 19, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squir

Current Record—1-2

The Minnesota Vikings are another team that has been struggling offensively.

It is mainly due to numerous injuries at the wide receiver position and Brett Favre's slow start. Percy Harvin has continued to have head problems in the first two weeks, and Sidney Rice has been sidelined while recovering from hip surgery (Rice is aiming to make a Oct. 31st return against the Patriots.)

Minnesota has one of the toughest schedules in the league, which will be a major test for the seemingly deteriorating Brett Favre.  Favre has had one of the worst starts of his career, throwing 60-97 for 597 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions.

 But, he will take this struggling start for the Minnesota Vikings, and turn it into an impressive playoff run.  Because Brett Favre is a legend, and that's what legends do.

Favre had Percy Harvin at full strength last week against the Lions and he was able to lead the Vikings to victory.  Once Sidney Rice comes back, and Adrian Peterson continues to dominate on the ground, the Minnesota Vikings will be on the of the hottest teams in the league.  Just wait for them to go on a long winning streak.  It's going to happen.

Minnesota Vikings' 2010 Record Prediction: 11-5

Dallas Cowboys

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Felix Jones #28 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes past defensive end Mario Williams #90 of Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Current Record—1-2

The Dallas Cowboys did not start off the 2010 season as they anticipated, losing their first two games by less than seven points.  With a lot of pressure on the organization to get a win, they convincingly defeated a quite impressive Houston Texans team in Week 3.

Despite being 1-2, the Cowboys' offense have been quite productive, averaging 391.7 yards per game, fifth in the NFL, and 311.7 passing yards a game, fourth in the league.  The problem for the Cowboys is not moving the ball down the field, but reaching the end zone.

As you can see, Dallas has no problem advancing the ball, the squad just can't seem to score as much as its talent implies.  The Cowboys have some of the most talented offensive players in the NFL, in Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Jason Witten, Tony Romo, and Roy Williams.

Now, in Week 4, the Cowboys are on their bye week, taking much-needed time to re-polish parts of their game plan.  

Dallas Cowboys' 2010 Record Prediction: 10-6