If the Dallas Cowboys play the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship, running back Julius Jones will try to get his revenge on Dallas for not signing him.  If Dallas coach Wade Phillips makes it that far, can he win another to go to the Superbowl as he is 0-4 in the NFL playoffs in his coaching career. Let’s take a look at the early 2009 NFC Championship Odds and the Dallas vs. Seattle NFL matchup.

This year is coach Mike Holmgren's 10th and final season so you know the players are going to play hard and try to win it all for him this year.  Holmgren already announced his retirement at the end of the season and defensive back coach Jim Mora should be taking over the job.  Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck could miss having familiar targets down field this season.  Two draft picks shoud be able to help immediately on the defensive line, Jackson and Bryant.  Red Bryant is the future son-in-law of former Seattle defensive lineman Jacob Green.  Lawrence Jackson will be able to push inside over the guard in passing situations.  The early 2009 NFC Championship Odds at Sportsbetting.com have Seattle Seahawks 8-1 to win the NFC Championship

Key addiction to the Seahawks roster this year is Julius Jones.  With Alexander gone, Seattle will use Jones a ton in the running game.  Jones will receive the bulk of the carries but 254-pound TJ Duckett should see his share of carries mostly in short yardage situations.  I can understand why Dallas fans were disappointed with him, but you have to realize that the Seahawks' play style is nothing at all like the Cowboys.  This will be a great year for the Hawks.  They get the AFC East with the only really tough game being played in Seattle where they don't lose, and they get the NFC East which is a great division, but one that they've dominated over the last three years.  On top of that, they get the the thorn-in-the-side Packers at home without Favre.  I think they have a great chance of getting the #1 seed in the NFC, which is an almost guaranteed Superbowl berth with home field advantage.  

Dallas Cowboys- They locked up two of their key young NFL players, cornerback Terence Newman and halfback Marion Barber.  Cornerback Terence Newman signed a six-year extension worth $50.2 million, with $22.5 million in guaranteed money.  Restricted NFL free agent running back Marion Barber signed a seven-year extension worth $45 million, with $16 million in guaranteed money.  A year ago, Barber was considered one of the most dangerous runners coming off the bench.  The Cowboys remind me of the Yankees...huge payroll; but, can't get past the first round of the NFL playoffs.  Barber doesn't tire easy, but he seeks contact.   He's too physical for his own good sometimes.  If he's overused, his body will break down.  The Cowboys need to remain smart on how they use him.  Anything over 15-18 carries a game is a mistake.  The oddsmakers at Sportsbetting.com have Dallas Cowboys 9/4 for the early 2009 NFC Championship Odds

Also signed Terrell Owens to a  4-year $34 Million Deal.  Owens will make $27 million over the next three seasons, making him one of the highest paid wide receivers in the NFL.  This deal will run through the 2011 season and give Owens the security that he lacked and led to messy departures with both the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles over contract demands.  Owens has 882 receptions - ninth in NFL history - in 11 seasons with the 49ers, Eagles and Cowboys.  A third-round pick of San Francisco in 1996, Owens had 129 career touchdown receptions - good for third all-time behind Jerry Rice (197) and Chris Carter (130).

NFL Football at Bodoglife.com

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