Even after a controversial offseason featuring key departures, oddsmakers have raised their own bar for the Dallas Cowboys.

Last year, the Cowboys finished the regular season with 12 wins while preseason betting odds projected them as a 9.5-win team. They easily beat the expectations by putting together a solid 6-1 start to the season. They also swept the division somewhat comfortably.

Now oddsmakers have them at 10.5 wins as things stand in May, which might surprise many, given Dallas lost Randy Gregory, Amari Cooper, and La'el Collins in the offseason.

But here are three reasons why the Cowboys can still beat the number put in place by the sportsbooks.

1. A relatively easy schedule

If you look past the distressing start to the season the Cowboys have in back-to-back games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals, you might find the Cowboys' schedule isn't all that bad.

It might not be as easy as last season's record suggests, but even using projected win totals for every team, the Cowboys are projected to have the 10th easiest schedule in the league.

Games against the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans certainly help. Plus, the Cowboys still play in a division that lacks other contenders (more on that later).

2. QB play lifting the offense

I strongly believe the Cowboys downgraded at wide receiver and right tackle. I get it, some are hoping Terence Steele ends up doing a better job than La'el Collins and that the Cowboys will be better off without a wide receiver that the team wasn't using properly. I just don't buy it.

If you're like me, the thing to understand is that the Cowboys can still be better on offense regardless. Why? Better quarterback play.

Dak is working this offseason fully healthy, something he couldn't claim last year. More consistency out of the quarterback position should be able to make up for significant losses on offense.

One plausible outcome this season:

1) The Cowboys pass offense improves or stays roughly as efficient as it was in 2021 despite departures, due to more consistent QB play

2) The defense is more talented/developed than 2021 but regresses quite a bit, driving a drop in record

— Bureau of Human-Bovine Cultural Affairs (@CowboysStats) March 18, 2022

3. Jalen Hurts, Eagles, failing to deliver?

There's no doubt the Philadelphia Eagles are the biggest threat to the Cowboys within the division. They have a balanced roster, with strength in the trenches, and a new top-tier wide receiver in A.J. Brown.

But the single most important question for Philly is still about Jalen Hurts. Can he be consistent?

Sure, the Eagles have removed every possible excuse for their quarterback in what seems a make-or-break season for the 23-year-old. He still needs to answer it. The Eagles finished the season as the 23rd passing offense in success rate and 15th in EPA/play, per RBSDM.

The best version of their offense was when they overly committed to the run in the second half of the season. It all hinges on Jalen Hurts' development, and if he doesn't deliver, the hype around the Eagles could end up falling apart like Washington's in 2021.

For more on this and the case for taking the under on the Cowboys' win total, check out Monday night's A to Z Sports Dallas Primetime!

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