NFC Best? 11-Win Cowboys 'Loved' In NFL Projections

As the Cowboys continue to improve an already elite roster, Mike Clay's 2023 NFL projections have high expectations for Dallas.

Despite coming up just short in the playoffs for the second straight year against the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2023 season with high expectations. 

Not for no good reason, of course, as one look at their roster and you see one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. 

An elite offense lead by Dak Prescott, Tony Pollard and CeeDee Lamb, added Brandin Cooks via a trade with the Houston Texans. Not to be left out, their also elite defense traded for Stephon Gilmore to pair with Trevon Diggs and join forces with elite rushers in Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. 

It isn't hard to see the fascination with what this Cowboys team can be, even from a cursory glance. However, while several analysts like the Cowboys this season, ESPN's Mike Clay's 2023 NFL projection guide loves Dallas. 

How much does it love the Cowboys, though? Well, in Clay's projections the Cowboys are projected to finish with 10.8 wins, which is the fourth most in the NFL and leading the pack in the NFC. 

The only three teams ahead of the Cowboys reside in the AFC - with the Buffalo Bills coming in first at 11.2 wins, the Kansas City Chiefs in second at 11.2 wins and the Cincinnati Bengals third at 11 wins. 

As for the rest of the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles are fifth just behind the Cowboys at 10.3 wins, while the New York Giants are projected to win 7.6 games and the Washington Commanders 5.8 wins, good for 23rd and 32nd in the NFL respectively. 

On paper there is a lot to love about this Dallas team and while it has become somewhat cliche to say it's "their year" this is a team that looks ready to compete for a Super Bowl.

Of course, the games aren't played on paper or via math projections, so now all that's left is to finally get over the hump in the playoffs. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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