At this point in time, there’s really too many unknowns to make a solid end-of-December prediction.
Off the top of my head, as of yet:
• Totally inexperienced/untested OC
• No clear #2 WR
• Despite re-signing Witten, TE dependability is still unknown
• Possible health and experienced depth issues on the O-line
• Other than the LBs and D-Law, all kinds of questions on the defense
• (knock on wood) No experienced backups at QB or RB
• Inconsistent kicking game
• Jason Garrett is still the head coach, so mindless game-management moves are still possible
Other than any/all of the above, we should be a lock for the SB.
add to your list, poor blocking schemes, both on run and pass plays, which I doubt will be corrected.
Cowboys should make playoffs, but the decade long trend , if it holds they wont win the div again, which means
10-6 or less.
I think they lose
2 div games
2 afc east games
2-4 of the tough conf games, so a minimum of 6 losses.
these are the tough conf games
Sept. 29 at New Orleans 7:20 pm NBC
Oct. 6 GREEN BAY 3:25 pm FOX
Nov. 10 MINNESOTA 7:20 pm NBC
Nov. 17 at Detroit 12:00 pm FOX
Dec. 5 at Chicago 7:20 pm FOX / NFLN
Dec. 15 LA Rams 3:25 pm FOX
They will at most win 4 of these games.