CFZ Why “last year” is not as relevant in the NFL

[Bobhaze]

Amazing that Cowboys fans are being reduced to being satisfied by "winning" seasons and making the playoffs. That is what Lions and Browns fans aspire for also

I understand why. So many of our fans now weren’t even born yet in the 90s much less the 70s.

 

[jazzcat22]

Yes

Thanks I may need to look into that then.

 

[rambo2]

Amazing that Cowboys fans are being reduced to being satisfied by "winning" seasons and making the playoffs. That is what Lions and Browns fans aspire for also

Amazing that some complain when the team is very good and contending for a championship.

 

[rambo2]

Thanks I may need to look into that then.

I think you can get a 1 week free trial. I got that on roku.

 

[CCBoy]

I say this every year. I look at going into the new season, and not how the previous season or now 27, had ended.

I enjoy each season as it unfolds. I am not only a Dallas Cowboys fan, I am also a fan of football.
I watched more NCAA football this weekend than normal for an open weekend.

It sucks I don’t get NFL ST for free again this year. But don’t want to pay out the $$$ either. Maybe they will have some special in the coming weeks.

I will try streaming a few games I want to see over whatever local crud they throw at me.

I do believe there will be easily 6 new teams in the playoffs this year,

Lots and lots of road bumps for sure, now.

 

[jazzcat22]

I think you can get a 1 week free trial. I got that on roku.

Will check it out.

 

[Bobhaze]

Amazing that some complain when the team is very good and contending for a championship.

Brother Rambo I appreciate the positivity and outlook and I support it 100%. I am very positive about our Cowboys chances this year. But I can also understand why some fans are not as excited or as optimistic. The last 27 years have made some feel that way and they don’t see that as “complaining”. The difference of opinion is what makes an opinion forum fly.

I would argue that we aren’t “contending for a championship“ until we are actually playing in at least an NFC championship. That’s just my opinion. To me, this time of year all NFL rosters are based on paper until at least enough games have been played to form a trend. This year’s Cowboys roster is certainly as good as any I’ve seen since 2007. We will see! Can’t wait.

 

[cowboyblue22]

if you have a franchise qb and he plays consitently from year to year then you have a really good chance of getting to the playoffs every year

 

[shabazz]

What happened last year in the NFL is usually not that relevant the following year. Obviously a few teams are consistent but not as many as I thought. We as Cowboys fans have to hope the Cowboys in 2023 will make the playoffs for the third straight year for the first time since the mid-90s.

Since 1990 - over 30+ seasons - a minimum of 4 teams that made the playoffs the prior year do not make the playoffs the following year. Sometimes more. In the 2022 season, a whopping 8 of the 14 teams that made the playoffs, were not in the playoffs the year before in 2021. That’s nearly 60%! I’ve been saying for years, the NFL is extremely hard to predict.

When I look at all the preseason rankings and predictions by all the sports media gurus, just remember that it’s very possible that half of the teams they are predicting making the playoffs won’t.

I really like this year’s Cowboys roster. On paper, it’s the best we’ve had since probably 2007. I think we should make the playoffs. But when I look at our schedule before the season even starts, it’s very hard to predict wins and losses. Why? Because we don’t know who the minimum of 4 teams will be that are better than last year, nor do we know which teams will be worse than last year.

Honestly, I LOVE the unpredictability of the NFL! Enjoy the ride. The only guarantee I will make is that there will be surprises. So glad the real season is about to start. GO COWBOYS!

Bob, I agree with last season being irrelevant in the NFL except for the other teams in the Chiefs division. They are screwed for the next 5-6 years or more……just like the rest of the teams were in the Patriots division while Brady was doing his thing.

 

[Scottishcowboy]

if you have a franchise qb and he plays consitently from year to year then you have a really good chance of getting to the playoffs every year

2 years is good.....but quite a few teams seem to be there regualrly these days.

Based on the NFC right now and assuming injuries aren't a factor, we really should be a lock for 3 in a row.

I feel my "superbowl baby" enthusiasm dampened though and have the "fingers crossed" with a view we are good. Maybe really good so have a better chance than most of the other 15 NFC teams to get to the Championship Game, then see what we can get.

 

[Bobhaze]

Bob, I agree with last season being irrelevant in the NFL except for the other teams in the Chiefs division. They are screwed for the next 5-6 years or more……just like the rest of the teams were in the Patriots division while Brady was doing his thing.

Shab, I mostly agree with you that the chiefs are the big dogs in the AFC West. But the last two seasons, at least one other AFC West team made the playoffs. In 2021, the raiders were the 5th seed and last year in ‘22 chargers were also the 5th seed. So yeah the chiefs are dominant but there are some other teams good enough to make the playoffs.

 

[CCBoy]

The Cowboys will make the playoffs this year and next year as well. That will be 4 years in a row.

This fan is aboard.

 

[Sully]

How are they being reduced to that level?
This is like an urban legend.

What fan has ever said…hey I am happy with a winning season, just making the playoffs.?


AND

Larger fonts do not always make your point come across as being correct.
Though it is easier for me to read on my iPad.

Exactly, being a senior citizen, it is also easier for me to read. As as a looooong time Cowboys fans, winning the division was routine, getting to a NFC Conference game was often and entering into the Superbowl was on occasion.
Those are "urban legends" this the 21st Century Cowboys fans and are thrilled with the Cowboys Jason Garrett mediocre Mendoza ( aka: .500 +/-) seasons.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

The OP is another reason I ignore it when the NFL talks about each team's "strength of schedule".

At this time in 2022 we were worried about playing the Bengals and Rams but Dallas beat them. We were not worried about the Jaguars in December but the Cowboys lost.

And it happens to every team, every year across the league.

 

[shabazz]

Shab, I mostly agree with you that the chiefs are the big dogs in the AFC West. But the last two seasons, at least one other AFC West team made the playoffs. In 2021, the raiders were the 5th seed and last year in ‘22 chargers were also the 5th seed. So yeah the chiefs are dominant but there are some other teams good enough to make the playoffs.

Bro, I am just thrilled that we aren’t in the AFC

Normally I’d say you have to beat the best to be the best but at this point I don’t care…..I just want to see us in a SB even if it’s not the hardest road traveled….although the Niners and Eagles are excellent teams, but it’s only 2 teams and not 8 like in the AFC

 

[Jumbo075]

What happened last year in the NFL is usually not that relevant the following year. Obviously a few teams are consistent but not as many as I thought. We as Cowboys fans have to hope the Cowboys in 2023 will make the playoffs for the third straight year for the first time since the mid-90s.

Since 1990 - over 30+ seasons - a minimum of 4 teams that made the playoffs the prior year do not make the playoffs the following year. Sometimes more. In the 2022 season, a whopping 8 of the 14 teams that made the playoffs, were not in the playoffs the year before in 2021. That’s nearly 60%! I’ve been saying for years, the NFL is extremely hard to predict.

When I look at all the preseason rankings and predictions by all the sports media gurus, just remember that it’s very possible that half of the teams they are predicting making the playoffs won’t.

I really like this year’s Cowboys roster. On paper, it’s the best we’ve had since probably 2007. I think we should make the playoffs. But when I look at our schedule before the season even starts, it’s very hard to predict wins and losses. Why? Because we don’t know who the minimum of 4 teams will be that are better than last year, nor do we know which teams will be worse than last year.

Honestly, I LOVE the unpredictability of the NFL! Enjoy the ride. The only guarantee I will make is that there will be surprises. So glad the real season is about to start. GO COWBOYS!

Last Year's NFC Playoff Teams: Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Vikings, Buccaneers, 49ers, Seahawks.

The Cowboys, Eagles and 49ers are the most likely NFC teams to repeat. The Seahawks had an exceedingly easy schedule last year, and just barely squeaked into the postseason because the Lions beat the Packers. But the Hawks had a good offseason; so, if their QB is not a one-year wonder, they have a chance. For much of the year, the Vikings were challenging for the best record in the NFC. They fell off at the end, but questions remain for the other teams in their division. The most likely NFC playoff teams to miss the playoffs this year are the Giants and Buccaneers. The Bucs are rebuilding with a QB who hasn't been successful in his other 3 stops in the NFL, and the Saints have a better roster especially with the addition of Derek Carr. The Giants may get surpassed by rising teams in the NFC North - either the Lions or Packers.

Last Years AFC Playoff Teams: Bills, Dolphins, Bengals, Ravens, Jaguars, Chiefs, Chargers.

Many believe that the Chiefs, Bills and Bengals are the 3 best teams in the NFL, so barring catastrophic injuries, they are likely to return to the playoffs this season. The Ravens must contend with Cleveland, who many experts think have an excellent defense. The contentious holdout of the Ravens QB may have lingering effects. But the Ravens are well coached. The Jaguars snuck into the playoffs because of two things: the Cowboys defense fell apart, and the Titans year end losing streak. But the Titans have an old roster, and the Texans and Colts have rookie QB's. The Chargers are up and down, and no one knows how they'll adjust to their new offensive coordinator. The Dolphins are likely to be challenged by the Jets, who have taken a page from the NBA and have tried to construct a Super Team. The Dolphins and Ravens and Chargers are the most likely AFC teams to miss the playoffs this year.

NFL Playoff overview for 2023: There are only 6 teams that seem like surefire locks to make the playoffs in 2023, 3 each in the AFC and NFC. They are the Chiefs, Bengals and Bills in the AFC, and Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys in the NFC.

The Cowboys will play the Bills, Dolphins, Eagles (2x), Giants (2x), Chargers, Lions, 49ers and Seahawks this year. That is 10 games against playoff teams from a year ago. They also must play against the "Super Team" Jets, with Dalvin Cook and Aaron Rodgers. That leaves only 6 games against "perceived" weak teams of the Commanders (2x), Patriots, Raiders, Rams, and Cardinals.

I see the Cowboys finishing the year strong, going 7-1 with an away loss to Buffalo in December. The toughest portion of their schedule is 3 away games in a 4 week span of mid October to early November - all against playoff teams from the 2022 season: 49ers, Chargers and Eagles. Frankly, even with their tough schedule, I believe the Cowboys will win between 12-15 games in the 2023 season, barring catastrophic injuries to the team. My prediction: 13-4.

 

[rambo2]

Exactly, being a senior citizen, it is also easier for me to read. As as a looooong time Cowboys fans, winning the division was routine, getting to a NFC Conference game was often and entering into the Superbowl was on occasion.
Those are "urban legends" this the 21st Century Cowboys fans and are thrilled with the Cowboys Jason Garrett mediocre Mendoza ( aka: .500 +/-) seasons.

Hey old man, they won 12 games in 2021 and 12 games plus a playoff game in 2022. They should have their 3rd season in a row with 12 or more wins.

 

[DandyDon52]

What happened last year in the NFL is usually not that relevant the following year. Obviously a few teams are consistent but not as many as I thought. We as Cowboys fans have to hope the Cowboys in 2023 will make the playoffs for the third straight year for the first time since the mid-90s.

Since 1990 - over 30+ seasons - a minimum of 4 teams that made the playoffs the prior year do not make the playoffs the following year. Sometimes more. In the 2022 season, a whopping 8 of the 14 teams that made the playoffs, were not in the playoffs the year before in 2021. That’s nearly 60%! I’ve been saying for years, the NFL is extremely hard to predict.

When I look at all the preseason rankings and predictions by all the sports media gurus, just remember that it’s very possible that half of the teams they are predicting making the playoffs won’t.

I really like this year’s Cowboys roster. On paper, it’s the best we’ve had since probably 2007. I think we should make the playoffs. But when I look at our schedule before the season even starts, it’s very hard to predict wins and losses. Why? Because we don’t know who the minimum of 4 teams will be that are better than last year, nor do we know which teams will be worse than last year.

Honestly, I LOVE the unpredictability of the NFL! Enjoy the ride. The only guarantee I will make is that there will be surprises. So glad the real season is about to start. GO COWBOYS!

I think cowboys make the playoffs again, but the thing that is important is getting the #1 seed.
The team that gets that will have the best shot of being the nfc champ and go to the SB.
the #1 seed only plays 2 games and both at home. That makes a big difference.

I think the eagles have to be the fav again to get the top seed.
If the cowboys get top seed then they should at least get to the SB.

If KC gets to the SB again, I dont see any nfc team beating them.

 

[Coogiguy03]

What happened last year in the NFL is usually not that relevant the following year. Obviously a few teams are consistent but not as many as I thought. We as Cowboys fans have to hope the Cowboys in 2023 will make the playoffs for the third straight year for the first time since the mid-90s.

Since 1990 - over 30+ seasons - a minimum of 4 teams that made the playoffs the prior year do not make the playoffs the following year. Sometimes more. In the 2022 season, a whopping 8 of the 14 teams that made the playoffs, were not in the playoffs the year before in 2021. That’s nearly 60%! I’ve been saying for years, the NFL is extremely hard to predict.

When I look at all the preseason rankings and predictions by all the sports media gurus, just remember that it’s very possible that half of the teams they are predicting making the playoffs won’t.

I really like this year’s Cowboys roster. On paper, it’s the best we’ve had since probably 2007. I think we should make the playoffs. But when I look at our schedule before the season even starts, it’s very hard to predict wins and losses. Why? Because we don’t know who the minimum of 4 teams will be that are better than last year, nor do we know which teams will be worse than last year.

Honestly, I LOVE the unpredictability of the NFL! Enjoy the ride. The only guarantee I will make is that there will be surprises. So glad the real season is about to start. GO COWBOYS!

SO IS IT fair to say the same for the players?? You have to take things one game at a time

 

[Bobhaze]

Last Year's NFC Playoff Teams: Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Vikings, Buccaneers, 49ers, Seahawks.

The Cowboys, Eagles and 49ers are the most likely NFC teams to repeat. The Seahawks had an exceedingly easy schedule last year, and just barely squeaked into the postseason because the Lions beat the Packers. But the Hawks had a good offseason; so, if their QB is not a one-year wonder, they have a chance. For much of the year, the Vikings were challenging for the best record in the NFC. They fell off at the end, but questions remain for the other teams in their division. The most likely NFC playoff teams to miss the playoffs this year are the Giants and Buccaneers. The Bucs are rebuilding with a QB who hasn't been successful in his other 3 stops in the NFL, and the Saints have a better roster especially with the addition of Derek Carr. The Giants may get surpassed by rising teams in the NFC North - either the Lions or Packers.

Last Years AFC Playoff Teams: Bills, Dolphins, Bengals, Ravens, Jaguars, Chiefs, Chargers.

Many believe that the Chiefs, Bills and Bengals are the 3 best teams in the NFL, so barring catastrophic injuries, they are likely to return to the playoffs this season. The Ravens must contend with Cleveland, who many experts think have an excellent defense. The contentious holdout of the Ravens QB may have lingering effects. But the Ravens are well coached. The Jaguars snuck into the playoffs because of two things: the Cowboys defense fell apart, and the Titans year end losing streak. But the Titans have an old roster, and the Texans and Colts have rookie QB's. The Chargers are up and down, and no one knows how they'll adjust to their new offensive coordinator. The Dolphins are likely to be challenged by the Jets, who have taken a page from the NBA and have tried to construct a Super Team. The Dolphins and Ravens and Chargers are the most likely AFC teams to miss the playoffs this year.

NFL Playoff overview for 2023: There are only 6 teams that seem like surefire locks to make the playoffs in 2023, 3 each in the AFC and NFC. They are the Chiefs, Bengals and Bills in the AFC, and Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys in the NFC.

The Cowboys will play the Bills, Dolphins, Eagles (2x), Giants (2x), Chargers, Lions, 49ers and Seahawks this year. That is 10 games against playoff teams from a year ago. They also must play against the "Super Team" Jets, with Dalvin Cook and Aaron Rodgers. That leaves only 6 games against "perceived" weak teams of the Commanders (2x), Patriots, Raiders, Rams, and Cardinals.

I see the Cowboys finishing the year strong, going 7-1 with an away loss to Buffalo in December. The toughest portion of their schedule is 3 away games in a 4 week span of mid October to early November - all against playoff teams from the 2022 season: 49ers, Chargers and Eagles. Frankly, even with their tough schedule, I believe the Cowboys will win between 12-15 games in the 2023 season, barring catastrophic injuries to the team. My prediction: 13-4.

Good analysis.

You mentioned the difficulty of the early schedule. Which is one of several reasons why I always encourage fans to remember that the start of the team is not necessarily indicative of how it will finish. Having a 3-3 start doesn’t mean it will finish 9-8, just as starting 5-1 doesn’t mean you will finish 14-3. No team is crowned in October and until January we won’t even know final playoff seedings.

An NFL season is a looooong roller coaster ride with twists, turns, and surprises. I am very bullish on this team. But it must get mentally and physically tougher than they’ve been the last two years if they are to take the next step and at least make it to a conference championship game.