Cowboys vs Chiefs Week 11: History, players to watch, gut prediction

Dallas Cowboys vs Kansas City Chiefs Gut Prediction

Prediction: Cowboys 34, Chiefs 31

I don’t want to sugarcoat things or be anything but transparent in this segment. As a die-hard Cowboys fan, I want this team to win every game. And I will go into each week thinking they can win. It’s a sick, special talent us Cowboys have in which we can convince ourselves of anything.

This game will likely see points across the board. These offenses each have an advantage and should be able to score. This could be a matchup of who gets the ball last. Blows will be traded throughout all four quarters.

My key to the Cowboys’ victory is them forcing the Chiefs to throw. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. Mahomes has the second-most interceptions in the league with 10. The Cowboys have 14 interceptions. That sort of tendency for Mahomes doesn’t just stop instantly. Since becoming a starter in 2018, the 2021 version of Mahomes is averaging his lowest yards per attempt, yards per completion, and is on pace for his most sacks taken.

The Cowboys need to do what they’ve done so far this year in going for it on fourth down and converting. If the Cowboys can jump out to a lead quick, it quiets down Arrowhead and makes the Chiefs one-dimensional.  A lead also allows the Cowboys to play aggressively in jumping routes and lets the defense pin their ears back to rush a susceptible offensive line.

On offense, the Cowboys should employ a game plan that we saw in Week 1 against the Bucs. The Chiefs’ defense is worse than the one we saw then and the Cowboys need to air it out early to open up the run game later. It goes against the grain for beating the Chiefs, but I think the Cowboys have the offensive prowess to beat the Chiefs at their own game.

Throw early and often. Get points on the board. Look to Elliott to be a bruiser down the stretch after the Chiefs defense has spent most of the day playing sideline to sideline. Use the backs to finish it off after relying on the passing game early.

In my head, I see this game staying close. The Chiefs are finding a bit of a groove and should have enough to come out and keep this close, if not even get a lead built up. I see the Cowboys scoring a go-ahead touchdown with about two or three minutes left that forces the Chiefs to go the length of the field needing a touchdown to win.

Give me a strip-sack against a tired offensive line to wrap this thing up in heart-stopping action. This ends with the Cowboys stealing one on the road that shows they’re not just the NFC elite, but belong in the conversation for the NFL elite.

The Dallas Cowboys know the opportunity in front of them and what Sunday can do for them. This 2021 team hasn’t shied away from big moments and I look for them to embrace the moment. Buckle up…