The Dallas Cowboys officially opened up training camp this week in Oxnard, California. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the team when discussing Dak Prescott returning to the field and Dan Quinn running the defense.

That got us thinking: where the do the Dallas Cowboys stack up in the NFC at the beginning of training camp? It seems reasonable to believe that the NFC East is the Cowboys' to win with Prescott behind center. Washington has an elite defense, but the combination of Prescott and the rest of the offense should put Dallas over the top.

The rest of the conference is where things get interesting. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to be at the top. Tom Brady and every other starter from the defending champs is back for another run at the title.

Green Bay is probably that second team in the NFC — if Aaron Rodgers decides to suit up and play this season. There is some concern from the Packers that Rodgers will opt to not play in Wisconsin in 2021. If that situation is not cleared up, the NFC becomes wide open behind Tampa.

WHERE THE COWBOYS FIT IN

The Cowboys, with a full season of healthy play from Dak Prescott, have an argument to be in that next tier. Prescott is viewed as a top-7 quarterback in football, and the Cowboys have one of the most explosive passing attacks with 4 behind center.

When factoring in the returns of Tyron Smith and La'el Collins to the offensive line and some expected improvement from the defensive side of the ball, it makes sense to consider the Cowboys as a potential threat in the NFC. A league average defense paired with the Cowboys offense should be enough for Dallas to win the division and make some noise.

San Francisco, Seattle, and the Los Angeles Rams can all be grouped together in that next tier as well.  The Niners are coming off an injury-riddled season — similarly to the Cowboys — and should be improved in 2021. The big question surrounds who starts at QB: Jimmy G or top-5 pick Trey Lance?

You would be a fool to bet against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. The additon of Matthew Stafford to Sean McVay's offense gives the Rams some serious firepower when the ball is in their possession.

Arizona is a potential threat if things begin to click for the Kliff Kingsbury-Kyler Murray duo. Washington's defense will keep them in several games on its schedule. Minnesota and Chicago are two teams to keep an eye on as well.

We discussed where the Cowboys fit into the NFC entering training camp and talked about the conference as a whole on the latest episode of Talkin' The Star.

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Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports