Game-by-game predictions for the 2017 schedule: Will the Cowboys' NFC East reign continue?

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/ ^ | Jon Machota

[Bender2]

By Jon Machota , Staff Writer Contact Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota

I predicted the outcome for every Cowboys game after the 2017 NFL regular-season schedule was released in April. At the time, I had Dallas going 10-6, the same record I predicted in 2016.

One difference is that I had the Cowboys winning the division last year. At first glance, I had them finishing second this year to the New York Giants, but earning a wild card spot.

Having been able to see what they did in the draft and watch offseason practices, I've gone back through my projections. Here's the updated version.

[Bender2]

Week 1 vs. New York Giants: 7:30 p.m. Sun., Sept. 10 (Ch. 5)
Prediction: WIN (1-0)

Week 2 at Denver Broncos: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Sept. 17 (Ch. 4)
Prediction: LOSS (1-1)

Week 3 at Arizona Cardinals: 7:30 p.m. Mon., Sept. 25 (ESPN)
Prediction: LOSS (1-2)

Week 4 vs. LA Rams: Noon, Sun., Oct. 1 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN (2-2)

Week 5 vs. Green Bay Packers: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Oct. 8 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN (3-2)

Week 6 Bye

Week 7 at San Francisco 49ers: 3:05 p.m. Sun., Oct. 22 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN (4-2)

Week 8 at Washington Redskins: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Oct. 29 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN (5-2)

Week 9 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Nov. 5 (Ch. 11) Prediction: LOSS (5-3)

Week 10 at Atlanta Falcons: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Nov. 12 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN (6-3)

Week 11 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 7:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 19 (Ch. 5) Prediction: LOSS (6-4)

Week 12 vs. LA Chargers: 3:30 p.m. Thu., Nov. 23 (Ch. 11) Prediction: WIN (7-4)

Week 13 vs. Washington Redskins: 7:25 p.m. Thu., Nov. 30 (Ch. 5) Prediction: WIN (8-4)

Week 14 at New York Giants: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Dec. 10 Prediction: LOSS (8-5)

Week 15 at Oakland Raiders: 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 17 (Ch. 5) Prediction: LOSS (8-6)

Week 16 vs. Seattle Seahawks: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Dec. 24 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN (9-6)

Week 17 at Philadelphia Eagles: Noon Sun., Dec. 31 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN (10-6)

Me thinks Jon is full of crap... as I see my Boys go 12-4 with only losses to the Falcons in Week 10, the Iggles in Week 11, the Giants in Week 14 and the Raiders in Week 15.

[Bender2]

So, y'all take your shots... while I finish out these last few martinis I have left.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Week 5 vs. Green Bay Packers: 3:25 p.m. Sun., Oct. 8 (Ch. 4) Prediction: WIN LOSE (3-2)

Fixed it for ya Bender!

[freedumb2003]

>>I see my Boys go 12-4 with only losses to the Falcons in Week 10, the Iggles in Week 11, the Giants in Week 14 and the Raiders in Week 15.<<

No one cares about the regular season. I think everyone is assuming the Zs (Zak, Zeke and Dez) will take them to the post-season easily.

Can they win like maybe ONE postseason game? Or do the kids (although Dez has a number of seasons under his belt) just not know how to win when it matters?

The ‘boys postseason record is 3-9 in appearances in postseason since 1995, all 3 Ws in wildcard games. That makes them 0 for 21 years.

They have a lot of proving to do, especially after last year’s magical season.

[superfries]

The girls will go 11-5 and win the division again and lose in the conference championship game. That is assuming that Dak stays upright and the left tackle doesn’t get hurt.

[t4texas]

I believe they will win at least 11 or 12 games in any event. They do have spots to fill on defense but absent injury and sophomore jinx, the offense should do more than their share early. My only real concern, however, is with the offense. Jason Whitten is no spring chicken and the Cowboys have failed to develop a tight end for the future. One glaring exception to this is Martellis Bennett who now has a Super Bowl ring. Whitten must stay healthy this season for Dallas to have a shot.

[TomGuy]

Dak seemed impressive last year, but most of the competition was mediocre. He will not have another season with as many wins for a long time, if ever.

[RainMan]

You forgot about the loss to the Seahawks. The Cowboys will not be sneaking up on anyone this year, and the Hawks look better on both sides of the ball this year, if for injuries being healed if nothing else. Last year our QB was limping 3/4 of the season, our running game changed week to week because of injuries, and we lost key players on defense for extended periods, including Earl Thomas for a quarter of the season. If the Hawks are healthy, no way the Cowboys beat them.

[fortheDeclaration]

The real question is will the Cowboys win a playoff game.

[Hugin]

I predict Colon Kapernick will go 0-0!

[Dilbert San Diego]

Wow, I didn’t realize they had so many playoff failures.

3-9 in playoffs is a letdown, no doubt about it, when they had good enough seasons to make the playoffs.

Think positive that if they go 12-4 they will have a deep playoff run.

[PigRigger]

Jints fan here... I don’t see anyone in the NFC east really giving them a threat.... They should take first handily.... With that O line... They should be fine...

As for the playoffs... It’s all about staying healthy... Great shot to go far.

[Alas Babylon!]

You’ll beat Denver handedly. You won’t beat the Falcons.

You won’t beat the Patriots, no matter how high up you go.

[o-n-money]

So they end the season as 10-7.

[Impy]

I think your boys will win the east and get a bye.

Most people are predicting the Bears will go 7-9 or 6-10.

Sports Illustrated says 2-14

I’d wager on 4-12 or 5-11.

[octex]

Saving this Cowboys schedule and predictions.

Thanks, B2!

[Russ]

E-A-G-L-E-S!! FLY EAGLES FLY ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY!!

[big'ol_freeper]

[big'ol_freeper]

[big'ol_freeper]