As the NFL preseason approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are once again at the center of speculation and excitement, a familiar position for the franchise despite their inconsistent performance over the last three decades. With the team struggling to achieve playoff success, the renewed buzz is noteworthy, particularly as experts weigh in on the upcoming season.
Bruce Marshall, a seasoned handicapper, believes that this year could be different for the Cowboys. He points to the NFC East division landscape, which he argues favors the Cowboys and the New York Giants, now under the leadership of new head coach John Harbaugh. Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles topped the division with an 11-6 record, while the Cowboys finished with a disappointing 7-9-1 and the Giants struggled even more at 4-13.
Marshall suggests that the Eagles may be more vulnerable this year, which could open the door for a Cowboys resurgence. He commented, "Maybe this is the year Dallas does something because I think the Eagles are very vulnerable and Washington was sort of proven a one-year fluke." He also expressed intrigue about the potential of Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, indicating that the competitive landscape in the NFC East could shift significantly.
While the Cowboys are generating buzz, bookmakers remain skeptical. At Caesars Sportsbook, the Cowboys are listed at 20-1 odds to win the Super Bowl, while BetMGM and DraftKings have them at 25-1. In contrast, the Eagles are still favored to win the division, with odds ranging from 17-1 to 18-1 across various sportsbooks.
In addition to the Cowboys, the Los Angeles Rams continue to be viewed as strong contenders. With the return of defensive tackle Aaron Donald and the addition of pass rusher Myles Garrett, the Rams have solidified their position as consensus favorites at 5-1 to win the Super Bowl. Their success is attributed to a robust roster that includes reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay, known for his innovative strategies.
Despite the optimism surrounding the Rams, some experts caution against assuming their success is guaranteed. Johnny Avello, director of race and sports for DraftKings, noted, "They deserve to be the favorite. They have the quarterback, they have the running back, they have the defense. Now, are they a shoo-in to get there? No, they are not." Historical data suggests that teams with similar odds have often fallen short in the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Seattle Seahawks are also in the mix, with odds ranging from 11-1 to 12-1 to win the Super Bowl. Their odds reflect a significant improvement from last season, when they were at 80-1 at one point.
As the NFL season approaches, teams like the Cowboys, Rams, and Seahawks are preparing to make their mark, while franchises such as the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are also expected to be strong contenders in the AFC. Both teams are returning franchise quarterbacks, with the Bills' Josh Allen and the Ravens' Lamar Jackson leading their respective squads.
With the NFL landscape constantly evolving, the upcoming season promises to be filled with intrigue and excitement, particularly for teams like the Cowboys who are looking to turn the tide in their favor.
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