NFL Week 16 Staff Picks & Predictions: Cowboys vs. Saints
Every week of the NFL regular season, we ask all of The Landry Hat writers and contributors to submit their picks and predictions for the upcoming Dallas Cowboy game. This week, we asked our experts for their predictions for Sunday’s game between our Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints.
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys fan Marshall Keisling (age 9) cheers for his team during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Steelers 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Tammy Garrett, Staff Writer: The New Orleans Saints hung 41 on theTampa Bay Bucs last Sunday and that could spell trouble for the injury plagued Dallas defense. On a positive note, though, the Cowboys responded well in the clutch against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a game defining interception return in OT that gave Cowboys Nation hope that our ‘Boys can slow down the Saints high powered offense. I’ll take the Cowboys to keep pace in the NFC East with a big win at home. Cowboys 28, Saints 21.
Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Cowboys try to continue their path toward the postseason, and while this game isn’t definitively a make-or-break game statistically, it would be foolish to suggest that a loss against the Saints would be anything but a letdown and would surely serve to let some of the air out of the Cowboys’ hope balloon. In the end, staying true to recent fashion, the Cowboys do just enough to squeak out another victory and put both the Giants and Redskins on notice in the race for the NFC East division crown. Cowboys 34, Saints 31.
Michael Vu, Staff Writer: Prepare for landing. This game will be another big test. When this game ends, I think we’ll know who this team is. Hopefully. Mediocre Cowboys? How about Magical Cowboys. 27-17.
Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: The danger in this game is that almost everyone is expecting the Cowboys to beat the Saints and is already anticipating a huge season-ending game against the Redskins. The team had better not look past this game. The Saints may be 6-8 but they just destroyed Tampa Bay. I see a high scoring game where both defenses struggle. I’m very nervous about this game but am hoping the Cowboys claw out another late victory. Cowboys 38, Saints 33.
Brad Austin, Senior Writer: Welcome to DeMarco Murray’s 2012 Early Christmas Party. For the first time since Week 1, Murray will exceed the century mark in rushing yards. The Saints’ porous run defense allows a whopping 146 rushing yards per game and 5 yards per carry, just what Dr. Murray ordered. Since becoming the starter in 2011, the Cowboys are a perfect 4-0 when DeMarco exceeds 100 yards, with an average winning margin of 20 points. The hobbled Dallas defense will allow Drew Brees and the Saints’ prolific offense to keep pace, yet Murray will carry the day and keep the Cowboys’ playoff hopes alive and well into the final week. Cowboys 34, Saints 31.
John Lavin, Staff Writer: Both defenses struggle in this game. Dallas’s offense controls the clock by using a heavy dose of Running Back, DeMarco Murray who gains well over a 100 yards rushing. In the end Dallas’s defense is slightly better in a shootout. Cowboys 34, Saints 28.
Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Cowboys makeshift defense is challenged by the Saints high flying offense, but the Cowboys prevail, 35-31.
Mike Burke, Staff Writer: The New Orleans Saints are an awful road team. They are 2-5 on the road and the 2 wins are Oakland and Tampa Bay before they got their bearings on the season and what Greg Schiano wants. This one is supposed to be an Offensive shootout because of the Saints Offense and their Defense who can’t stop anyone. That is why I look for a low scoring Defensive slug fest. Cowboys 21-17.
Tyrone Starr, Staff Writer: I just cannot see how there is any possibility in a low scoring game breaking out at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints are highly ranked in so many offensive categories as are the Cowboys. Both teams have had issues with turnovers which, as we all know, generally leads to points. Both teams have banged up or ineffective defenses. All in all, the Saints have been on and off while the Cowboys have been as hot as it gets since Thanksgiving. Saints 31, Cowboys 37.
Jonathan Barger, Senior Writer: Cowboys will continue to roll and show discipline in yet another close game. In a shootout between Romo and Brees, DeMarco Murray will be the determining factor as the Cowboys will kill the clock with some four-minute offense. Cowboys advance with playoff hopes in the fate of the game on Dec 30th. Cowboys 31, Saints 27.
Artie Cappello, Senior Writer: I have mixed emotions going into this game. On one hand, the Cowboys need to beat the Saints – and can beat the Saints – to stay on track for the playoffs. On the other, losing to the Saints means I’m closer to possibly stealing their coach, Sean Payton for our very own. You know if we win out, Garrett isn’t going anywhere. So, it’s not so much ‘GO COWBOYS!’, as it is ‘go cowboys.’ Oh, hell… Lets make it a statement game ‘Boys! Dallas 31, New Orleans 7.
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