The turmoil and questions of the offseason officially take a backseat as the Dallas Cowboys turn their attention to Week 1 and the 2024 regular season.
With an important year upon them and a lot at stake for many people within the organization, the Cowboys open the season on the road against a tough Cleveland Browns team.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns Game Preview
Sunday’s matchup between the Cowboys and Browns pits two quality football teams looking to gain more respect around the league against one another.
Both squads were in the playoffs last year and enter 2024 as somewhat after-thoughts when compared to some of their counterparts.
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The two teams have met 32 times before in their history, with the Browns holding an 18-14 edge all-time.
PFN predicts the outcome, plus we dive into five key stats ahead of the matchup.
5 Cowboys-Browns Stats Ahead of Week 1
Stat: Dallas has finished +10 or better in turnover differential for three consecutive seasons, the longest streak in franchise history.
Analysis: With Mike Zimmer now the defensive coordinator, Dallas’ situation will look noticeably different in 2024. While the emphasis is still on turning the ball over, Zimmer will be more acutely focused on doing the small things well while disguising his plan. It’ll be interesting to see if the turnover success translates to the new system.
Stat: Under Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ head coach, Dallas’ offense has averaged 29.9 points per game, leading the NFL in scoring in two of the last three seasons.
Analysis: It is officially Year 2 of McCarthy calling the plays, and following an MVP-caliber performance from Dak Prescott in 2023, the belief is that he will once again be playing at an elite level as he gets more comfortable in the new system.
Stat: When it comes to opening day success, there aren’t many teams better than the Dallas Cowboys. With an opening day record of 40-23-1, Dallas has the second-highest winning percentage in the NFL, behind only the Denver Broncos’ 40-22-1.
Analysis: Getting off to a hot start is important, especially for this Cowboys team. Whether it’s a quality start to a specific game or an early portion of the season when they’re looking to get on a roll, Dallas has proven over the last few years that they are far better with a lead and able to control the pace.
Stat: No one in the NFL was better at 10+ play-drives than the Cowboys, who had 47 in 2023.
Analysis: Controlling the clock and time of possession while keeping their defense off of the field is a huge benefit for any team, and Dallas was better than everybody at it last season. If they are able to do so again in 2024, it could be a huge plus for the Cowboys as they look to get over the playoff hump.
Stat: When it comes to facing the opposite conference, the Dallas Cowboys are third-best in NFL history. With a record of 113-90 against the AFC, only Philadelphia and San Francisco have been better than the Cowboys in inter-conference matchups.
Analysis: While much attention is paid to beating division and conference opponents, the ability to take care of business against the AFC is also important as well. With a slate against the tough AFC North on the schedule this year, getting out on a good foot in Week 1 would be an excellent start to the year for the Cowboys.
Cowboys vs. Browns Prediction
Ultimately, this is a game that can go either way for the Cowboys. With two rookies starting on the offensive line, there will be some anxiety early on as they prepare to go against Myles Garrett and the Browns’ quality defensive front.
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We have seen this team lose this type of game before over the years, but at the same time, surprise the NFL and dominate a quality opponent. It won’t be easy, but there are a lot of variables to feel good about if you’re Dallas.
The Browns will be without starting left tackle Jedrick Wills and starting running back Nick Chubb. Additionally, their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, has dealt with injuries for a better part of the last eight months and hasn’t seen live action in just as long.
All these factors, plus the disrespect being thrown their way all offseason, set up a perfect storm for the Cowboys to surprise some people in Week 1.
Give me Dallas.
Final Score Prediction: Dallas 24, Cleveland 16.