The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations for the 2018 season even with the offense having a different look, but they still have a solid core of players who can make the team winners once again.
Don’t take the 2018 Dallas Cowboys lightly. Even though veterans Jason Witten and Dez Bryant are no longer on the roster and second-year player Ryan Switzer was traded, the offense is still strong, if healthy. With players like quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, the team is in good hands in Week 1 against the host Carolina Panthers.
These two teams haven’t played since the 2015 season when the Panthers defeated the Cowboys 33-14, but before that meeting, the Cowboys had won five straight meetings between the two teams. That was a long time ago, and waiting on the other side of the field this time is a Panthers team that reached the Wild Card round of the playoffs and a team that was 11-5 overall last season.
Facing Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey on the offensive side of the ball isn’t an easy task, but the Cowboys defense is expected to be stronger than they’ve been in recent seasons, so even being three-point underdogs, the Cowboys are still a competitive choice to win this game if a lot goes their way.
There are plenty of players who play for the Cowboys, other than Prescott and Elliott, to watch for in this game. One player who could be a difference maker offensively is rookie wide receiver Michael Gallup, and new to the roster this season are Allen Hurns and Tavon Austin, as all three wide receivers bring something different to the table this season.
Another two players on the offensive line who are going to have a microscope on them are left guard Connor Williams and center Joe Looney, as starting center Travis Frederick is most likely out for this game with a back injury.
A lot can and will happen in this season opener for the Cowboys. Some will be good, some will be bad and some will be surprising as well. Here are 3 bold predictions for the Cowboys against the Panthers for this Sunday afternoon.