What are the Cowboys’ Chances without Romo?

Though they started the season with two victories, the Cowboys’ chances without Romo and Dez Bryant, their injured top offensive assets, won’t be the same.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 20–10 in the home of their rivals. This leaves them with a 2–0 record, top of the NFC East, favorites to win the division according to online sportsbooks in the US. However they have lost their two most important offensive players.

• Cowboys can do okay without Romo
• Though schedule ahead
• Poor division can help Dallas

Superstar wide receiver Dez Bryant suffered a foot injury that required surgery in week one against the New York Giants. He will be out until December. Then on Sunday, in another division game, Tony Romo fractured his collarbone and he will expectedly be out for seven to ten weeks. Only if it will be necessary – or worthwile – bringing him back as soon as possible.

Romo: been there, done that

The Cowboys quarterback suffered the same injury five years ago on week 7. He did not return that season since the team blew their playoff chances early. It is not unfamiliar for them to play without their franchise QB and for pundits to evaluate the Cowboys’ chances without Romo.

But it is another story for them to play without Romo and Bryant. It did not happen often. At least one of them was on the field at 98% of the team’s offensive snaps since the start of the 2011 season.

Still, looking at the performance of the team and the lack of quality at the other franchises of the NFC East, it seems that the Dallas Cowboys can relatively easily survive without their quarterback. And a blessing in disguise is that this injury came early in the season. So, Romo could be back for the finish and the Cowboys’ chances without Romo don’t look that bad.

Defense can carry the Cowboys

Dallas are 6–9 without Romo since 2006 and Brandon Weeden was cool while stepping in for him against a miserable Eagles (7/7, 73 yards, TD). These factors are encouraging. It is even more important that the Cowboys defense is as convincing as ever.

They limited Philadelphia to 224 yards in the air and 7 yards (!) on the ground just a week after they kept the New York Giants on 193 passing and 99 rushing yards. Though they faced struggling offenses in the first two weeks of the season, this unit clearly dominated the football field and showed the potential that could enable them to become one of the elite defenses of the NFL.

With this defense, and their quality offensive weapons, they don’t need much more than a game manager behind the center to put together an okay run. Brandon Weeden – or someone else – can do that until Romo’s rehabilitation is over. And from then on, he might guide his team to the playoffs.

Tough schedule might forecast hard times without Romo

Their biggest problem will be the strength of their upcoming schedule. On Sunday, they will entertain the Atlanta Falcons, who are also 2–0 and also defeated the Eagles and the Giants in the first two weeks. After that, they will travel to New Orleans to meet an unpredictable Saints side. With Romo on the board, the Cowboys would have been strong favorites in both fixtures at online gambling sites in the US, but without him it’s more like 50-50.

Then comes the game against the defending champions at home, and after the bye, the rematch versus the Giants in East Rutherford. The Seattle Seahawks will come to Arlington on All Saints’ Day, then the Eagles on the following week. Then comes a tour to Florida with away matches at Tampa and Miami and this is where Romo might return.

The Cowboys’ chances without Romo are hard to predict for these games. With their starting QB, they have the ability to win any of those. However, without him, they can still manage to perform just below 50%. Though it will be hard for them in those games where they have to put up numbers with the ball, all this doesn’t look that bad after all. Especially in this year’s NFC East.

Poor division boost the Cowboys’ chances without Romo

The teams based in New York, Philadelphia and Washington all have been struggling, and they might continue to struggle during the 2015 regular season. Their fans can’t expect much better than a losing record. With that in mind, Dallas would still have a chance to reach the playoffs, if they would lose all their matches without Romo.

So, while the Cowboys’ chances without Romo and Dez Bryant will be hurt seriously, all this won’t necessarily mean the end of their campaign. They are still 2.50 (5/2) favorites to win the NFC East according to top sports betting site Bet365 Sportsbook.

After the injury of Romo and Bryant, the Philadelphia Eagles have the same online betting odds as the Cowboys, while the New York Giants are available at 6.00 (5/1). The Washington Redskins’ division title is priced at 7.00 (6/1). Since the destination has a vast selection of NFL offers, it might be worthy to check out our Bet365 review and go to place wagers at the site.