ESPN Power Index: 2024 projection, Super chances (Cowboys rank 4th, behind 49ers, Chiefs and Lions)

[TheMarathonContinues]

They've been picked as top SB contenders each of the last three pre-seasons.

And here we are.

Who picked the Cowboys as SB contenders lol?

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Even if the answer to those two questions is yes, not having a negative impact doesn't make it positive. They did nothing to get better results, so don't expect better results.

As a fan I don’t expect better results but I do expect players to get better. If there’s a emphasis on stopping the run and Diggs coming back that’s a unit that should be better.

 

[Vtwin]

Who picked the Cowboys as SB contenders lol?

Seriously? Pretty much all the media "experts".

The tape don't lie.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

They were 6th last year, 9th the year before that and 11th before that. So that seems around what it should be

I suppose the real question is what will be the impact of the free agent starter we lost, if any.

 

[rambo2]

My goodness........talking about wide-margin, this projection vs Cowboy fans (LOL)

• Is our talent level much better than Cowboy fans wanna believe?
• Is it possible the lack of free agent signings ( participation) won't have as much neg impact as many believe?

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...-projections-super-bowl-chances-playoff-draft

NFL Football Power Index: 2024 projections, Super Bowl chances​

The San Francisco 49ers might have lost Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs, but they enter 2024 as the best team in football and favorites to win Super Bowl LIX, according to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI). The 49ers' edge in quality over the Baltimore Ravens and Chiefs is narrow, but because San Francisco plays in the weaker NFC, its championship chances (16%) are notably higher than any other club's.

The Football Power Index is our ratings and projection model for NFL teams. In the preseason, the model's overall predictive ratings are based primarily on win totals from ESPN BET in conjunction with each team's schedule -- along with factors such as the strength difference between a team's starting and backup quarterback and a revamped special teams rating based primarily on new predictive kicker ratings. We use these team ratings to simulate the season thousands of times, creating our projections.

During the season, ratings evolve based on how teams perform on offense, defense and special teams -- along with quarterback performance and changes. In addition to updated ratings, game predictions are also affected by home-field advantage and rest differentials.

Let's dive into the 2024 season.........

Cowboys fans think 4th out of 32 and coming off three 12 win seasons in a row is mediocre.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Even if the answer to those two questions is yes, not having a negative impact doesn't make it positive. They did nothing to get better results, so don't expect better results.

This is true but is it possible Diggs returning, and Zimm's scheme over Quinn can offset "they did nothing to get better"?

 

[big dog cowboy]

Our biggest problems last year were running the ball and stopping the run. Neither are was given much attention. If anything, they have regressed in both areas with a lack of Free Agency activity.

Both running the ball and stopping the run have been upgraded this off season.

Some fans choose not to see it and just want to ignore it.

 

[rambo2]

We are better than a lot of people in here want to admit

Free agency won’t have a negative impact to the extent many believe.

We are not the 4th best team in the nfl. We are closer to 7 or 8. ESPN is clueless - Vegas odds are a bit more accurate.

Double digit wins and that puts them in the mix.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

As a fan I don’t expect better results but I do expect players to get better. If there’s a emphasis on stopping the run and Diggs coming back that’s a unit that should be better.

+1 and I would add it's possible Zimm's could do a better job stopping the run than Quinn but you are right, Digss returning is huge.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Double digit wins and that puts them in the mix.

There is no question they will be in the mix. It comes down to the playoffs, just like every other year.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Seriously? Pretty much all the media "experts".

The tape don't lie.

That’s what I’m asking what tape? Seems like every year around this time San Fran and Philly gets all the love.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

+1 and I would add it's possible Zimm's could do a better job stopping the run than Quinn but you are right, Digss returning is huge.

I agree. This is a small part why I can see this team being as good or better. Defense has so much room to grow. That one tech spot is crucial.

 

[Flamma]

This is true but is it possible Diggs returning, and Zimm's scheme over Quinn can offset "they did nothing to get better"?

Sure, a lot of things can happen with what we already have. But we'd need a lot of positive outcomes to take any significant leap from last year. It's a shame too, because the NFC isn't all that great. No more Rodgers, Brees, and Wilson is up there drinking Iron City beer. And who knows, the 49ers could suck this year.

 

[mcmvp]

lol @ ESPN ‘analytics’

 

[JBS]

Double digit wins and that puts them in the mix.

NFL isn’t nearly as much of a crapshoot as people think it is. The best of the best usually advance to the biggest games. Dallas isn’t part of that group.

 

[rambo2]

NFL isn’t nearly as much of a crapshoot as people think it is. The best of the best usually advance to the biggest games. Dallas isn’t part of that group.

Oh really, and Green Bay was?

 

[Carson]

My bad.
I was more referencing the entirety of all the expert prognostications and not just this one.

I did put about as much stock in those as I do this one.

Oh no worries! wasn’t correcting or trying to a jerk!

 

[rambo2]

There is no question they will be in the mix. It comes down to the playoffs, just like every other year.

That's right and they will eventually win some playoff games at some point.

 

[MikeT22]

That's right and they will eventually win some playoff games at some point.

What do you mean eventually?

We’ve won 4 in 28 years! Doesn’t get much better than that!

 

[removed_20241105]

ESPN and FOX are great places to turn to if you want optimism for any Cowboys upcoming season including this one. I can’t find any real indication that they will be better, or that I shouldn’t laugh my arse off when they are projected as a high possibility Super Bowl team.

If the actual offensive line moves is a net positive and not a negative vs last year, and they find a way to be much better against the run, then that would be an indication for me.