Expectations for the Dallas Cowboys' defense are low, which means they can only surprise people in a positive way. Suspensions of DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory and Rolando McClain will hurt, but the Cowboys believe they have enough talent to survive.
ESPN Fantasy rankings: 29.5 sacks, 10 INTs, 9.6 FR, 2.7 TD, 389.4 PA, 6,052 YDS, 71.6 PTS
Over or under: How the Cowboys' defense performs will directly correlate to how the offense performs. That's the formula the Cowboys used so well in 2014. Many assume the Cowboys' offense simply held on to the ball two years ago with DeMarco Murray when in fact they scored a lot of points. That more than anything helped the defense succeed, especially in takeaways. The Cowboys had 31, second in the league (18 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries). Take the over on interceptions and fumble recoveries but take the under in sacks, passing yards and total yards. The Cowboys' leader in career sacks entering the season is cornerback Orlando Scandrick with 9.5. They will look to get it done with a platoon and that hardly leads to a lot of sacks. Dan Bailey is the most accurate kicker in NFL history and made 5-of-6 field goal tries from 50 yards or more last year. Lucky Whitehead's 101-yard kickoff return in the preseason opener bodes well, but the Cowboys haven't had a kickoff return for a touchdown in the regular season since 2008.
