ESPN's Computer Model Predicts Final W-L Record For Cowboys
11/04/2024 03:35 PM
The Dallas Cowboys have lost three-straight games and now sit at 3-5 after yesterday's 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Making matters worse, quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a hamstring strain that is expected to sideline him "multiple" weeks. It has been reported that the Cowboys are considering placing Prescott on injured reserve, which means he would miss a minimum of four games. With upcoming matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and Washington Commanders, obviously this news is less than ideal.
The Cowboys have posted three consecutive 12-5 regular seasons under Mike McCarthy, but that streak is going to end barring an unlikely 9-0 stretch to close out 2024.
As for what record Dallas is going to finish with, the latest ESPN FPI projections say 7.2-9.7, which would translate to 7-10 in real life.
For those unfamiliar, FPI is meant to be "a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season."
If the FPI projections were to come to fruition, Dallas would end up with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Currently, they have the 11th pick, via Tankathon.
The Cowboys have not picked in the top 10 since 2016, when they took running back Ezekiel Elliott No. 4 overall. There will be no shortage of enticing talent available at that spot, but clearly Dallas was not expecting to be picking near the top of the draft when the season began.
"We have five losses and so we clearly understand where that puts us as far as what it will take," McCarthy said postgame. "We've got to get to winning."
If Dallas is to start winning this weekend, it will have to do so with veteran backup Cooper Rush taking the snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rush completed 13-of-25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown to Jalen Tolbert in Sunday's loss in Atlanta and has thrown for 1,786 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions in his career.
Dallas is 5-1 in games started by Rush, including a 4-1 mark two years ago while Prescott was sidelined.
Related: NFL Fans React To Dak Prescott's Bad Injury Diagnosis