The Cowboys had a win total projection of 7.5 last offseason, but now a year on, will there be any shift?
As it stands right now, the Dallas Cowboys have some positivity surrounding the organization.
After a year that saw the franchis emiss the playoffs with a 7-9-1 record, most know the offense is set in 2026 if George Pickens and Javonte Williams return.
But defensively is where the help is needed.
Christian Parker is the new defensive coordinator, and it is here where the positivity stems from. Particularly after how he spoke at his introductory press conference at The Star.
But that comes from fans or those covering the team.
How the Cowboys are viewed by those in the national media is another thing entirely.
Now, as far as expectations for Dallas in Brian Schottenheimer's second year are a little unclear right now. Because, well, free agency and the draft haven't happened, so the roster could dramatically improve over the coming months.
That still hasn't stopped the sportsbooks from already having each team's win projection total up for the 2026 season.
DraftKings has the Cowboys' win total set at 8.5 for Schottenheimer's second season.
Last year, Dallas' was 7.5, so the odds makers think the Cowboys will only be one game better in 2026.
CBS Sports R.J. White went through the entire league's win projection total in his latest piece and cited the continued improvement under Schottenheimer as a reason for Dallas' number.
But will the Cowboys go past that? Or be under it in 2026?
Dallas will play the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants (twice). Then the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and the Los Angeles Rams.
Simply going off how the Cowboys' team is currently constructed, I see eight wins (Eagles, Commanders x2, Giants x2, Titans, Cardinals, Buccaneers).
The fact that we are doing this at this time of year is head-scratching, but we are trying to get a gauge on how the Cowboys' win total came about.
The projection is 8.5, and I have Dallas winning eight games without any improvements to the roster.
Who knows what this team will look like in the coming months, and we might be able to add a win or two to that total.
Last year, the odds makers were right on the money. Will they be in 2026?
At this time of the year, who knows?