The Cowboys may be one of America’s most loved teams, but they are also, without a doubt, one of the most hated teams in professional sports. And this year’s schedule is an excellent example of why. With the Cowboys having backed into the playoffs last year and immediately lost to an injury-riddled Seattle Seahawks the Cowboys will be rewarded with six prime-time games for the 2007 season.

Is it any wonder why they are the most hated team in sports?

Any other team that barely makes the playoffs might be glad at getting two or three prime-time games. The Colts won the Super Bowl and they aren’t getting as many games in prime-time as the Cowboys.

Sure, a new coach helped. Teams with new coaches usually win, at least, a nationally-televised game if not a prime-time appearance — usually against the coach’s previous team if possible. And the emergence of Tony Romo — who was an immediate hit with the media — certainly helped. But only the Cowboys can finish a season losing four of their last five games and be rewarded with more prime-time appearances than any other team.

Not that Cowboys fans are crying about being the most hated team. They will also be the most watched team, as well as the most scrutinized team — especially with ‘the player.’ They should also enter the season with high expectations — from the media as well as fans.

So, to steal a line from ‘the player’, the only thing left to say is: Get your popcorn ready.