The start of the NFL season is always an exciting moment for football enthusiasts. With teams gearing up for intense games and some unexpected roster changes, there's no shortage of intriguing storylines.
The Dallas Cowboys are certainly not exempt from this whirlwind of anticipation.
This article delves into their matchups against both New York teams, player stats, surprise movements, and what the future holds for the Cowboys.
Historical Dominance Against the Giants
The Dallas Cowboys' history against the New York Giants has been a source of pride for many fans.
Recent clashes have seen the Cowboys exhibit a dominating 9-1 Straight Up (SU) record and 7-3 Against The Spread (ATS) in their last 10 games against their Big Apple rivals.
It's a streak that speaks volumes of their consistent performance.
Last Season's Recollections
Reminiscing about the previous season, Dallas secured wins in both encounters.
The home victory with a score of 28-20 on November 24 stands out, though it's worth noting that New York gave them a run for their money by covering as 10.5-point road underdogs.
Hurdles Against the Jets
The narrative shifts considerably when talking about the Cowboys and the New York Jets.
Over the last few contests, the Cowboys have found it challenging, with a 1-3 Straight Up (SU) record and 1-2-1 Against The Spread (ATS) in their last four games. Analyzing their performances, it's evident there's room for improvement.
One can't help but recall the heartache from October 13, 2019.
On this day, Dallas faced a defeat with a scoreline of 24-22 in New York.
The Jets exceeded most predictions, covering as 7-point home underdogs.
Aaron Rodgers — The Jets' New Spearhead
With the addition of Aaron Rodgers to the Jets, the stakes have been raised.
Despite his recent drops in performance, the quarterback remains an iconic figure in the sport.
Having previously achieved unparalleled success, including successive MVP awards, his ambition to win another Super Bowl remains undiminished.
The Numbers Speak
Rodgers' recent stats, including a career-low 91.1 passer rating in 2022, the second-most interceptions (12), and the third-lowest passing yards (3,695) in his tenure as a starter.
It's worth remembering, however, that he's merely a season away from claiming back-to-back MVP awards, having led the league in passer rating in both years.
He threw for 48 touchdowns to just five interceptions in 2020 amid back-to-back trips to the NFC Championship Game.
His legacy is far from over.
A Shocking Move!
In a twist that few saw coming, the Cowboys recently announced a trade, parting ways with Cornerback Kelvin Joseph.
As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on August 29, Joseph is headed to the Miami Dolphins, and in return, Dallas welcomes Noah Igbinoghene, another young talent with potential.
Kelvin Joseph, at just 23, had quite an experience with the Cowboys.
With 26 games under his belt over two seasons, he witnessed highs and lows, including a brief stint as a starter following significant injuries in the team.
The Kentucky Connection: Dallas and the Bluegrass State
Dallas has an interesting history of drafting talent from Kentucky, a state renowned for its potent football program.
The Wildcats have given the NFL various talents, including Quinton Bohanna, Cornell Burbage, James Whalen, and of course, Joseph.
Several draft picks will get their first taste of the NFL and the speed of the game at the professional level; you can find the best Kentucky Sportsbook promos here as the NFL season gets underway.
Bohanna, despite showing promise initially, has had his share of challenges. His journey saw some bumps, leading to the team trading for the veteran Johnathan Hankins.
However, as the 2023 training camp came around, Bohanna showed signs of his old spark, impressing many, showing he wasn't going to take a backseat to Hankins quietly.
His first step and situational stoutness reminded the Cowboys why they drafted him in 2021, but it was too little too late for him.
Dallas Cowboys Futures Odds
The betting scenario for the NFC East throws in some interesting figures. Platforms like FanDuel have placed the Cowboys at +175 to take the division title.
However, it's the Eagles who are currently favorites at -115, with the Giants and Commanders as longshots at +700 and +1300, respectively.
The Cowboys' season win total is set at 9.5. Over 9.5 Wins is at -162 while Under 9.5 Wins is at +132.
Dallas is at +1300 to win the Super Bowl!
Hopes and Ambition
The journey of the Dallas Cowboys over recent years has been punctuated by highs and lows, echoing both the spirit and unpredictability of the sport.
It's been a significant wait since their last appearance in the NFC Championship Game in 1995. Yet, their recent performance gives fans ample reason for optimism.
Back-to-back 12-win seasons serve as a testament to their resilience and determination.
Additions like Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore to the roster have further bolstered the team's potential.
These new recruits, combined with the emerging defensive prowess of young stars like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DaRon Bland, project a bright future.
However, concerns persist, especially regarding the conservative approach of coach Mike McCarthy.
Quarterback Dak Prescott, despite his undeniable skills, remains under scrutiny, particularly for his yet-to-be-achieved defining late-year run.
In essence, the Cowboys, often referred to as “America's Team,” have consistently demonstrated their capacity for greatness.
The stars in their lineup, both seasoned and emerging, present a compelling case for a promising season ahead.
Only time will tell if they can harness this talent and potential to write a new chapter in their storied legacy.
