NFL Predictions 2018: Best-case scenario for all 32 teams

By Randy Gurzi | Aug 25, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: A view of the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys hands off the ball to running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys: Compete for the NFC East

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys were covered by a dark cloud. Running back Ezekiel Elliott had a six-game suspension for domestic violence and felt like the league over-stepped their bounds. He was never convicted, so he felt the suspension was unwarranted and a legal battle ensued.

In the end, he had to serve the suspension and miss six games. What was worse for the team than the missed games though was all the noise around it. The play on the field suffered and injuries to key players like left tackle Tyron Smith didn’t help.

Dallas finished 9-7 and out of the playoffs. They then had to painfully watch as the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. This season, they hope to have put all noise behind them — including the sideline outbursts from wide receiver Dez Bryant who has been cut. That move limits them at receiver, but this is a run-first team so they can likely adjust.

They’re not in a position to consider themselves Super Bowl contenders yet, but that doesn’t mean they’re not headed in the right direction. After a down season, they need to prove they belong by competing for the NFC East title with Philly again. If they can do that, they can start looking deeper as well.

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