Kneejerk Schedule Reax 3.0: Dallas Another Chance at 13-3

Since nothing seems to make Wade Phillips feel more content than a terrific regular season, he's got to be feeling purty good right 'bout now.

There isn't a team on Dallas' schedule that makes you sit up and say "uh-oh" until they play at the Giants on Nov. 2 at 4:15 (that'll be a great day for NFL by the way, with the Pats and Colts on NBC after).

Before that for the 'Boys? At Browns, Eagles, at Packers, Redskins, Bengals, at Cardinals, at Rams and then the Bucs.

There are three playoff teams in there but the Redskins and Bucs were the worst teams to get there in 2007 and the Packers have Aaron Rodgers and not Brett Favre under center for them this year. On second thought, Rodgers chewed up Dallas replacing Favre at Texas Stadium last year, so that might not be a picnic.

Dallas also sets up nicely with its bye, having it come right after the Giants game. Dallas closes the season at Pittsburgh, hosting the Giants and Ravens and then at Philly.

*****

Know who got a rotten schedule in the NFC? Chicago. Not only do they open with two on the road at Indy and Carolina, but they have three in a row on the road later in the season -- the only team in the conference with three in a row OR the first two games on the road.

The Panthers, meanwhile, close with two games on the road meaning John Fox won't have to hear the boos in his final days as Carolina coach.