While it is nearly absurd to compare the fans of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys to previously tortured fan bases of the NHL’s New York Rangers and baseball’s Chicago Cubs, America’s Team has not given its fans much playoff success in nearly 25 years. A team with a huge national following and 5 Lombardi Trophies, the last coming in 1995, the team has left its loyal legion of followers thirsting for victory.
As those who closely follow NFL odds know, the Cowboys have been somewhat of a model of consistency during the regular season, oftentimes winning more than they lose.
However, once the calendar turns into January, the team, which has been coached by some of the game’s greats in Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson, becomes mortal, frequently losing when favored according to Vegas NFL odds.
As the 2022 NFL season winds its way to the postseason, the markets have shifted, and many league observers name the Cowboys when it comes to a team favored to emerge from the NFC. While the team’s record is not as strong as Philadelphia or Minnesota, a team they defeated 40-3, the team is equipped with a number of intangibles that make it one to keep an eye on down the stretch.
Frequently in professional sports, postseason success is not necessarily predicated on a team’s strengths but rather on how few weaknesses it has. In addition, factors such as avoiding the injury bug and late-game coaching decisions also weigh heavily in the equation.
In this piece, we will take a look back at some of the Cowboys' postseason history as well as take the pulse on this year’s version of the team and hopefully determine whether they are a good play-and-or represent good value to play in a future wager to either win the NFC or the Super Bowl.
Currently, the team is priced at +270 to represent the division in the Big Game, while they are priced at + 700 or 7-1 to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Quick Historical Look Back
In the 26 seasons since their 1995 Super Bowl, the team has advanced to the playoffs just 11 times. In those 11 appearances, the team has been one and done seven times and has a combined record of 4-11. They have never played for a conference title in the span and have only been a part of the divisional round 3 times.
In short, despite having one of the league’s best stadiums and one of its most active and committed owners in Jerry Jones, year after year and season after season and team with the star on its helmet has gone home lost. This presents a conundrum for bettors who are familiar with NFL lines since the team often ranks high atop the league in many statistical categories and has been in the top 5 among NFL teams in ATS records for the last ten seasons.
The 2022 Edition of the Cowboys
Thus far, Dallas has won 9 of its first 12 games and entered week 14 winning four of its five games. Statistically, the team ranks in the top half of the league in total offense and defense and has been especially strong, ranking 2nd through 13 weeks in passing yards against.
Dallas is third in the league in both points scored and points allowed. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who was injured early in the year, has been on a tear as of late, tossing 12 touchdowns and just six interceptions in his last five contests.
As usual, the team is chock full of recognizable superstars, and this season running back Ezekiel Elliott and receiver Cee Dee Lamb have been complemented nicely by backups Tony Pollard (RB) and Noah Brown (WR).
The Verdict
While the franchise hasn’t tasted success in nearly a generation, its players have not necessarily been part of all of that loss. Its coach, Mike McCarthy, has won 10 postseason games since his entry into the league as a head coach in 2006 with Green Bay and won a Super Bowl in 2010.
We feel as though now is the time to buy in on the Cowboys. The team’s next two games, at home for Houston and at Jacksonville, are almost sure wins, and the Philadelphia game on Christmas Eve, should they win, would significantly lower their price and make bettors contemplate their lack of value.
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