But my biggest takeaway from this suspension is the fact that Dak Prescott will be playing his first regular season games without Elliot in the backfield. The only other game that Prescott has played without Elliot was in week 17, but that game didn't really matter because the Cowboys had already clinched the first seed in the NFC playoffs.
Last season, Elliot was a huge reason for Prescott's success. The running game was a huge part of the cowboys offense, so when they set up the play action, teams often fell for the run which led to Prescott completing most of his play action passes. Now without Elliot, their might be some struggles in the first couple weeks for the Cowboys offense and specifically Prescott. While Darren Mcfadden and Alfred Morris are solid running backs, they won't provide the same luxuries to Prescott that Elliot does. But one of the great components of the Cowboys offense is their offensive line, which I think is the key to keeping them in playoff contention. But even their remarkable offensive line has taken a blow with Tyron Smith questionable for week 1 of the regular season because of a knee injury.The first game back that Elliot will be able to play in will be against the Redskins on October 29th. I'll recap my predictions for the weeks before that.
Week 1: vs Giants
I think the Cowboys will lose this game 27-13. Because of the loss of Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr, it'll be easier for the Giants to attack that defense with the addition of Brandon Marshall, wide receiver coming from the Jets. Linebacker Sean Lee will really have to lead the Cowboys defense.
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Week 2: vs Broncos
This game will be a good test for Prescott playing against one of the best defenses in the NFL. I think the broncos receiving core of Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas will be too much for the Cowboys defense again. I am predicting the score to be 24-10. I think the Cowboys secondary will be a big part of them winning or losing.
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Week 3: vs Cardinals
I think the Cowboys will win this game 20-17 despite the Cardinals great defense. This year, I feel like the age factor for Carson Palmer will start to kick in.
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Week 4: vs Rams
I think the Cowboys will also win this game 23-16. The Rams are a young team and still learning but they do have a bright future.
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Week 5: vs Packers
I think the Cowboys will lose this 34-30. The Cowboys will finally be finding some rhythm without Elliot but Aaron Rodgers will be too much again for that defense.
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Week 6: Bye
Week 7: vs 49ers
This will be the last game that the Cowboys will play without Elliot and I think they will lose 27-20. I think Kyle Shanahan at head coach will make the 49ers offense function well with the addition of Pierre Garcon who he knew during his time as offensive coordinator for the Redskins.
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