With only three weeks until the start of the NFL season, handicappers all over the world are trying to decide what to do with the Dallas Cowboys. Prior to the 6-game suspension of All-Pro RB Ezekiel Elliot, they rated as second choice to win the 2017-18 Super Bowl. That was prior to the suspension. Remember, Elliot was suspended for violating the league’s standard of conduct policy, though the related domestic charges never led to a trial or conviction.
Barring the outcome of a potential appeal, the Cowboys will be starting the season without Elliot’s services. Taking his place in the backfield will be veteran RB Darren McFadden. McFadden, himself, is coming off a disappointing 2016 season that saw him limited by injuries to only three games. Filling in for the man who led the league in rushing is a tall order.
Without Elliot, more of the team’s offensive burden will fall on the shoulders of second-year QB Dak Prescott. The young QB from Mississippi State is coming off a fine rookie season. He completed almost 68% of his passes for 3,667 yards and 23 TDs against only 4 interceptions. He accomplished this while his receivers, including former All-Pro Dez Bryant, were battling injuries problems.
If a sports bettor is prepared to use a Betfred promo code to place futures bet on the Dallas Cowboys to win the Super Bowl, several things are going to have to fall right in order for them to cash their tickets. First, Prescott and the receiving corps will need to stay healthy. Prescott will have to show he has the mettle to carry the team without the support of a significant rushing attack. What he has in his favor is an outstanding offensive line for protection.
Next up, the combination of McFadden with some help from Alfred Morris will need to have some level of success running the ball. If they don’t, defenses are going to stack against the passing game, making life significantly more difficult for Prescott.
The last item of concern rests on the team doing all they can to stay in contention until Elliot gets back. Last season, the New England Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl despite the fact All-Pro QB Tom Brady started the season with his “deflate-gate” suspension. Also, the Pittsburgh Steelers managed to make the playoffs with star RB Le’Veon Bell serving a 4-game suspension. The point is it can be done. The fact those two players served 4-game suspensions while Elliot gets 6 games is not something that should be ignored.
A quick look at the schedule is encouraging. In the first six games, the Cowboys are slated to play only two teams that made the playoffs last season. Those two teams would be the Green Bay Packers and arch-rival New York Giants. Even better is the fact both games are scheduled to be played in Dallas. Based on the scheduling, it would seem reasonable that the Cowboys still have a good shot at winning the Super Bowl at juicy odds of around 10-1.
