2007 Record: 13-3 (6-2 H, 7-1 A)
2007 Against the Spread: 9-8 (5-4 H, 4-4 A); 10-7 vs. Total (4-5 H, 6-2 A)
2007 Rankings: 3rd Offense (17th Rush, 4th Pass); 9th Defense (6th Rush, 13th Pass)
2008 Odds: 9-2 Super Bowl odds, 2-1 NFC Championship odds, 4-7 NFC East odds, 11 wins (O/U)

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I expect the Cowboys to do just as well as they did last year. With a new stadium on the horizon, the fans continue to expect more and more from this team. This team has all the elements in place but has still been unable to bring it together. However, it's important to note that Dallas is closer than ever to being able to go back to the promise land since its previous dynasty ended. One thing is for certain, however. This team continues to be "America's Team". After all, the media coverage will continue to focus squarely on this squad with headliners such as Adam Jones, Tony Romo and Terrell Owens in the mix.

Having said that, the question begs, is the reason why this team has not succeeded indeed because of Tony Romo? Or, are there are other reasons? To this I unequivocally say that it's not Tony Romo's fault that this team did not get it done last year but it was Dallas' lack of defense. In short, it can be argued that Dallas's pass defense is just mediocre. After all, this team had the sixth best rushing defense in the league but had a pass defense that was 13th.

Romo has given this team the best chance to win a Super Bowl since the last dynasty that had Troy Aikman at the helm. After all, if I remember correctly, the boys did not go too far with Drew Bledsoe at the helm. However, Romo does struggle against the better defenses in the league and that is where the crux of the Cowboy's problems lie along with the fact their secondary continues to have its problems at the most inopportune times. Remember, Romo struggled against the Giants defense when they played them at home during the playoffs as well as the fact he struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles defense at home when the Eagles won outright in Dallas. On a side note, give Jerry Jones some credit for bringing in Adam "Pacman" Jones into the mix as the Cowboys quickly realized that one of the kinks in the armor was indeed their pass defense.

The Cowboys still have a solid receiving corps and if they can bridge the gap of their offensive balance compared to their defensive balance, they will be well on their way to getting over the next hurdle. Bear in mind, the Cowboys were 17th last year in their rushing attack despite being fourth in the passing attack. I believe the Cowboys will indeed be better and will start out the season extremely strong. However, similar to an athlete that hits his sprint too early, the Cowboys will begin to wane - especially when they play the tougher teams in the division and conference. Look for them to continue to outscore opponents by a large margin such as last year when they defeated opponents by a net of 130 points. After all, this team did put up 54 touchdowns last year. However, look for the Giants to still have the underdog tag and surprise the Cowboys once again as it is the New York Giants that are likely to hit their stride at the right point, similar to last year, and I think they will spoil the Cowboys season once again.

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2008 Dallas Cowboys Predictions: 13-3 (But, will lose in the playoffs to the Giants yet again). ATS Trends to Look for: Road Overs, as once again the defense for the Cowboys will continue to be questionable on the road.

Click the link for the 2008 Dallas Cowboys Schedule and results.