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NFL power rankings: Post-preseason 32-team breakdown before Week 1

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 15: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks with Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys before the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 15: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks with Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys before the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

15. team. 123. . . Previous: . Dallas Cowboys

It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out why the Dallas Cowboys slip a bit in NFL power rankings. After all, the whole holdout situation with running back Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t been a good look.

Whoever you think is in the right on this matter, Elliott or Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, it’s hard to avoid pointing out why Elliott’s holdout for a new contract is detrimental to the team’s chances. Sure, Dallas can bank upon quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper to shoulder the load. And the argument running backs are nowhere near as treasured in today’s pass-happy NFL also supports the notion.

Still, so much of what the Cowboys do, offensively, hinges on Elliott’s presence. Elliott’s numbers last year are all that’s needed to support the claim.

Even if Elliott returns in time for Week 1, it’s going to take a while to get his proverbial “football legs” back underneath him. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, however, seems to think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a healthy Elliott back in the middle of the season.

It’s anyone’s guess how Dallas manages that issue over the first few weeks.