The Dallas Cowboys took a notable step back this past season, falling just short of reaching the playoffs for a second straight year.
Despite the team adding some more pieces to the puzzle this offseason, Las Vegas betting odds have them with the ninth highest odds in the NFC to make the playoffs, putting them just out of the picture.
Opening odds to make the 2018 NFL playoffs (@betonline_ag):
ARI +800
ATL +115
BAL +135
BUF +450
CAR +130
CHI +450
CIN +400
CLE +600
DAL +145
DEN +275
DET +260
GB -170
HOU -135
IND +325
JAX -140
KC +120
LAC -145
LAR -170
MIA +600
MIN -260
NE -1500
NO -130
NYG +325— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) July 5, 2018
There doesn't appear to be much confidence from gamblers that the Cowboys will return to the playoffs, with much of the division also improving their rosters as well as the overall depth of the NFC. Still, the Cowboys' front office has put together a talented roster that could see them get back to competing with some of the top teams in the league.
What should be noted is that the Cowboys played six games in 2017 without their star running back Ezekiel Elliott, putting them at a disadvantage without the driving force of the offense on the field. It put more pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott to carry the offensive load, which he struggled to do at times that led to their shortcomings on that side of the ball.
With Elliott back in the mix for the entire 2018 season, the Cowboys should regain much-needed balance in the offensive game plan with him being the primary fixture. Keep in mind, Elliott was able to nearly put up 1,000 rushing yards despite missing nearly half the season due to suspension. Dallas also hopes that Prescott gets back to playing like an efficient quarterback as he did as a rookie in 2016, leading the Cowboys to the top seed in the NFC.
Dallas has the pieces in place to make a serious push toward being a legitimate playoff contender if their young core pieces can excel behind their top-tier offensive line
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