2012 Dallas Cowboys Predictions
Odds to win Super Bowl XLVII: 18-1

The Cowboys haven’t made the playoffs in the last two years so if Jason Garrett wants to continue coaching he may want to turn this thing around. They did win five straight games in October and November, but ended up losing four of their final five. They were 0-4 against the Giants and Eagles. The addition of corners Brandon Carr and rookie Morris Claiborne will help the secondary immensely. Dallas should improve this year, but this is a tough division with the Giants and Eagles to climb over.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE PICKS FROM ATS CONSULTANTS

Offense:

Dallas finished 11th in total offense but was just 18th in rushing offense (4.4ypc). DeMarco Murray did emerge with 897 yards last year in 13 games and gives them hope as their best back since Emmitt Smith retired. He ran for 253 yards against the Rams but ended the season on the IR with a fractured ankle. He also averaged just 3.5 ypc in his last four games. QB Tony Romo (66.3%) has always been one of the most accurate quarterbacks and is coming off his best year, tossing for 31 TDs, 10 picks and 4,184 yards (102.5 passer rating). He also played with a fractured rib, punctured lung and a bruised throwing hand. His top target is TE Jason Witten, who caught 79 passes for 942 yards and 5 TDs. Dez Bryant (63 rec for 928yds, 9 TDs) and Miles Austin (54 for 858 yds, 11 TDs) are a good duo. They lost Laurent Robinson (54 for 858yds) to Jacksonville in free agency. The offensive line was very inexperienced last year with three first-year starters and they allowed 39 sacks. They picked up Nate Livings (6-5, 330) and Mackenzy Bernadeau (6-4, 308) to help out at guard. Last year’s top pick Tyron Smith (6-5, 307) flourished at right tackle last year and will move to the left side. That means Doug Free (6-6, 323) will likely move to right tackle. Phil Costa (6-4, 282) is back at center.

Defense:

The defense finished 14th overall, allowing 343.2 ypg and were 23rd against the pass. NT Jay Ratliff (6-4, 287) made the Pro Bowl last year (fourth straight), but it was on reputation. He had two sacks in 2011 but could be moved to end. DE Jason Hatcher (6-5, 302) does a nice job against the run and DE Kenyon Coleman (6-5, 306) is 33 and on the decline. They added Tyrone Crawford (6-4, 280) was selected in the second round and could eventually move in the rotation. At linebacker. OLB DeMarcus Ware (6-4, 260) is one of the best in the game, earning his sixth straight trip to the Pro Bowl. He battled through a stinger and still managed 19.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. ILB Sean Lee (6-2, 245) led the team in tackles with 105 and tied for the lead with four picks. The secondary adds the best corner in the draft in Claiborne who has excellent cover skills and could be a shutdown corner. Carr was a starter for the Chiefs for four years and fits the Rob Ryan defense perfectly. At safety, they brought in Brodney Pool (6-2, 210) from the Jets. Gerald Sensabaugh (6-1, 208) is solid was second on the team in tackles with 74, adding two picks and two fumble recoveries.

Special Teams:

The Cowboys look to be set for a long time at place kicker with Dan Bailey, who made 32 of 38 kicks, including three game-winners. At punter, Chris Jones (42.6yds/kick) replaced Matt McBriar late last season, who is not coming back after leg surgery. Dez Bryant struggled on punt returns last year, while Dwayne Harris (28.9ypr) will get another crack. Claiborne can return punt or kicks but he’s a risk to throw out there.

Outlook:

Dallas has a pretty good quarterback and some excellent playmakers. But unless the offensive line clicks and Murray becomes a star, they are a wild card contender at best

2012 Schedule:

Be sure to visit ATSsportsline.com this year for winning football picks and expert football betting information from their team of experts. If you enjoyed this 2012 Dallas Cowboys predictions and Super Bowl XLVII odds article, then be sure to get even more wagering advice from ATS Consultants by signing up for their sports picks newsletter.