Cowboys vs Saints Week 13: History, players to watch, gut prediction

Cowboys vs Saints: Gut prediction

Prediction: Cowboys 31, Saints 14

I simply do not see the Saints having offensive success against the Cowboys come Thursday night. They are rather anemic and struggle to push the ball downfield with a backup quarterback and running back room pretty banged up.

Dak Prescott answered the critics last week and even some of my questions by putting up 375 yards and two touchdowns without Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. On no planet is last week’s game on his shoulders. He is commanding the Cowboys offense and I suspect that to continue.

Although Amari Cooper remains questionable as he tries to fully recover from COVID-19, CeeDee Lamb is going to return to the lineup in a much-needed boost to the passing attack. This should be a boost against a defense in the bottom-third in passing yards allowed. The Cowboys would be wise to attack the Saints through the air.

The Saints do have a rather stout run defense as they have given up a league-leading measly 3.4 yards per carry. With Ezekiel Elliott nursing a knee, the Cowboys may try to avoid slamming into a brick wall with the run game. I put this game on Dak Prescott’s shoulders and let him go to work.

Having at least one of his top receivers healthy is a very welcome gift and I suspect Prescott puts on a show. Dare I say 400+ yards and three touchdowns… on the road, in primetime, in a huge game? I have an inkling we get a monster performance to right the ship and reset things for the Cowboys.

On defense, the Cowboys don’t need to get too exotic here. I like the matchup of playing straight-up ball against the Saints. With a Taysom Hill coming off of an injury and a questionable passing attack, the Cowboys would be well-suited to play sound defense and avoid any huge mistakes. Make the Saints win the game versus blown coverages keeping them in it.

Keep Micah Parsons rushing the passer with his speed to chase down Hill when he leaves the pocket and the Cowboys should see enough success in that area to get a few errant throws. This is a game the defense could be playing with a lead and look to get really aggressive. I like the ‘Boys getting their hands on one pick.

The Dallas Cowboys need to flush the month of November down the drain and recapture their early-season success. The division is still completely in their control and they can still make a run for the bye. That stretch run starts here in a game the Cowboys dominate and pick up a nice confidence-boosting win on the road.