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2015 NFL Predictions: Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals Duds in 2015

By Dan Salem

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Great teams decline, and in 2015 the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals look like duds. Our 2015 NFL Predictions spill the hard truth. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Check out more of the brothers in Seesaw Sports Debate on BuzzChomp. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.

TODD:

The common tropes of the NFL are well-known at this point. Each year, there is a surprise team that flourishes and cruises to the postseason. There also is a dud team each season, one who has high expectations and craps the bed almost from the start. The line between winning and losing is so fine in this sport that any cluster of factors can turn the tide of the best laid plans.

Tennessee was a borderline dud last year. The Titans won a respectable seven games in 2013 and seemed to have some momentum. Instead, the next year they went 2-14 and tied for the worst record in the league.

Carolina and New Orleans managed to compete all year for the NFC South title, but it was by default. The two fell a combined nine wins from ’13 to ’14.

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This season, I have some ideas of who the dud team might be. However, I am officially ruling out the San Francisco 49ers from consideration. San Fran won eight games last year but lost its head coach and a cavalcade of starters to retirement and free agency. It would be a legitimate surprise if they even approached a .500 record.

The Arizona Cardinals, a 49ers division rival, are an intriguing pick here, but I like another NFC club even more…in the fact that I like the team even less.

I think the Dallas Cowboys are sure to be a dud in 2015. The team was a massive surprise in 2014, winning 12 games and a division title. It went 8-0 on the road and racked up the third-best point differential in the conference.

Aug 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals receiver

Marvin Jones

(82) fumbles the ball against Dallas Cowboys safety Will Alen (26) and cornerback

Orlando Scandrick

(26) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas then lost its most impactful offensive weapon from a year ago. It is attempting to replace DeMarco Murray, the rushing champion, with nothing but spare parts. One injury along the offensive line could decimate the team’s entire offense. That is especially true if a second receiver doesn’t help alleviate some pressure off Dez Bryant.

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The Cowboys defense is also going to be a flat-out problem this year. The group overachieved in 2014 and should regress back towards its actual talent level. With a porous defense and an offense with holes now, this roster is far from its 12-win level of a year ago.

DAN:

I can’t agree with you about the Cowboys, mainly because of Tony Romo. I see them as an eight win team at worst, more likely in double digits one again, and nothing approaching a dud.

The team that screams dud to me in 2015 is the Cincinnati Bengals. After finishing with ten wins last season, they are in a real tough spot. I know Andy Dalton to A.J. Green has been a successful combo in recent years, but the Bengals have always felt like overachievers.

Lack luster playoff performances have soured me on this team. Playing in the same division as Pittsburgh and Baltimore makes the Bengals a weak link in a crowded conference. They take an average running game and defense up against a very difficult schedule.

It’s a matter of the competition getting better, as Cincinnati stayed in place. The Bengals feel like a dud in 2015.

Dan Salem is a Staff Writer for NFL Spinzone. He’s also Lead Editor, Staff Writer, and Featured Vlogger at BuzzChomp, and a New York Jets Analyst for Pro Football Spot. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or Instagram.

Todd Salem is a Staff Writer for NFL Spinzone. He’s also a Contributing Editor at BuzzChomp, a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, and an Analyst for Tipster Labs, among others. Follow him on Twitter.

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