October 14, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons beat the Raiders 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: This should be one of the easiest picks all season. Yet, the predictions you’ll  see below plus other’s I’ve heard in the national media actually have Dallas winning this game.  And it’s mostly based on the one good quarter the Cowboys’ offense had against the New York Giants last week. One good quarter does not make a good team. Don’t get me wrong: I love our defense! But the offense is still in shambles. And still without DeMarco Murray, whom I believe is the key to getting the offense back on track. The Falcons keep their undefeated streak alive:  Atlanta 28, Dallas 20.

Artie Cappello, Senior Writer: The only thing, and I mean ‘only thing’ the Dallas Cowboys have going for them is they haven’t quit in the face of adversity.  Keep matriculating down the field Cowboys, you’re bound to win some of the time.  Dallas 27, Atlanta 23.

Michael Huff, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys shock the football world by beating the Atlanta Falcons 17-14 in a defensive struggle.

Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: Maybe I’m just losing touch with reality, but I actually feel like the Cowboys have a good shot at winning this game.  Their play has been improving and without digging themselves a deep hole in the first quarter last week should have beaten the Giants handily.  I don’t think the Falcons will be able to hurt us through the air as much as they have against other teams.  We held Eli to less than 200 yards passing and no touchdowns last week and Matt Ryan is not Eli Manning.  The inevitable question every week is what Tony Romo and what offensive game plan shows up.  Can we muster any kind of a running game?  The Falcons have a good defense but there are weaknesses that can be exploited.  Hope springs eternal: Cowboys 27, Falcons 20.

Reid Hanson, Staff Writer: The Falcons are the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL. Ranked at #1 in ESPN’s latest Power Rankings they are well regarded across the league. For those reasons the Cowboys will win. That’s right, the Cowboys have been brutally inconsistent this year, at times looking like they can beat anyone and at other times looking like they can lose to anyone. Jason Witten and Tony Gonzales will each have big days as both teams’ strengths are in their cornerbacks. Expect the check down pass and running game to also show major improvement on offense while the defense keeps the Falcons from getting too far off the ground. Final Score Dallas:24, Atlanta:23.

Sep 16, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: I’m starting to hate games where the majority of the media picks the Dallas Cowboys as their favorite to win. But if there is one team that’s under performing more than the Cowboys, it’s the Carolina Panthers. If the Dallas defense can hold the struggling Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton to mere Clark Kent numbers, then I like the Cowboys offense over the Panthers “D”…even without DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant. Dallas 28, Carolina 17.

Steven Phillips, Senior Writer: The Dallas Cowboys will learn from the successes they had in Baltimore last week and run, run, run. Look for a heavy dose of the run game mixed in with some short and intermediate throws to keep Carolina’s defense honest. Dallas gets back to winning ways in a close one. Dallas 28, Carolina 23.

Jonathan Barger, Senior Writer: Felix Jones shows why he was a first round pick. Dez Bryant drops a few more balls and argues with more referees. The Dallas speed at inside linebacker contains Cam Newton, and the Cowboys pull away with a quality win, 31-10.

Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: Just in time!  A team on paper at least that the Cowboys should beat easily.  But, this is the Cowboys.  The question is whether or not this year’s version of Cam Newton or last year’s version of him show up.  Cowboys win this one on the road, but it is never easy with this team.  Expect a late Bailey FG to win it.  Cowboys 31 Panthers 28.

 Jeff Magnia, Staff Writer: If the Cowboys can stop Cam Newton, that’s great. The problem lies within though, Dallas has gotten into the habit of stopping themselves from a victory. The same happens here, Carolina 42 Dallas 14.

Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Cowboys offense faces another defense this week that is in the bottom third of the league and should see similar offensive production despite the loss of their primary runner, DeMarco Murray.    The Cowboys will also keep the preternatural, but inconsistent abilities of Cam Newton mostly in check, limiting their only consistent offensive weapon.  With 3 difficult games coming up, the Cowboys must find a way to not beat themselves on Sunday.  Cowboys 24, Panthers 13.

Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Cowboys have a difficult time containing Cam Newton, but they get the running game going again, dominating time of possession.  Cowboys win 24-21. 

Reid Hanson, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys have long struggled with two-dimensional quarterbacks whether it’s Donovan McNabb from years past, Mike Vick from last year, or Troy Smith from the Oakland preseason game (Heck, and Troy cant even throw!). When playing against a run-threat QB it’s important to stay disciplined to assignments much like a kickoff coverage team maintains lane assignments. The Cowboys are not so good at maintaining these disciplines. The offense will be able to move the ball and score points so as long as the secondary can limit big plays, Cam Newton’s running ability alone will not beat the Cowboys. Dallas 24, Carolina 20.

Alex Young, Staff Writer: Dallas is coming off of an impressive performance against Baltimore that unfortunately resulted in a loss. The problem is, the Cowboys have not had back-to-back solid performances all year long. Can Newton is struggling for the Panthers this year, like Romo is for Dallas, but Romo is a much better quarterback than Newton and should be able to put up some solid numbers this week, Dallas will miss Murray in the run game, but Romo will lead the Cowboys to a road win. Dallas 27, Carolina 17.

Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: The Buffalo Bills come into this game losing two of their last three games. Their quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, has thrown six interceptions in the last four games. And his favorite target, Stevie Johnson, missed practice on Friday with an illness. Combine that with the fact that the Bills have an away game record of 1-2 this season, and all signs point to a home victory for The Boys. If Dallas can take advantage of their redzone opportunities and contain RB Fred Jackson just enough, they can win it big. But ofcourse, this is the Cowboys…and they always make it close.  Dallas 30, Bills 24.

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