Dallas Cowboys vs LA Rams Week 5: history, key players, projection

Cowboys vs Rams: “Under the Radar” Players

Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup, WR

Calling Michael Gallup “under the radar” is a bit misleading here as he did have a touchdown last week. He did have just two catches, though, and saw well below his average snap count total. In 2020, Gallup saw over 87% of the snaps and in 2021 (when he was healthy), he saw 75% of snaps. Last week, he was only on offense for 39 plays, equaling 63% of the offensive snap count.

That is largely in part due to it being his first action back from his ACL injury and needing time to acclimate. Do not be shocked if that snap count total spikes up to last year’s average (if not higher) this week with a heavy reliance on Gallup. CeeDee Lamb is going to attract a lot of attention from Jalen Ramsey and Cooper Rush may be wise to look elsewhere and protect the ball as he has been.

Gallup could be huge in this game providing first downs and some deep shots for Rush that opens up the running game. His deep ball ability and being a vertical threat is a wrinkle the Cowboys have not had yet this season and it could make an appearance this week.

Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Higbee, TE

Everyone knows Cooper Kupp is the go-to receiver for Matt Stafford. In Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers, Kupp had 14 catches. He leads the NFL with 42 catches through just four games, on pace for 179 receptions which would top the previous record by 30 catches. He will get his chances and will be Trevon Diggs’ biggest test to date.

If Diggs can slow down Kupp, because no one has shown they can stop him yet, Stafford will look elsewhere. He has found success with tight end Tyler Higbee. After an average start to the season, Higbee hauled in 10 catches in Week 4 and will look to capitalize. A key matchup to slowing down Higbee will be safety Donovan Wilson building on an impressive performance against Washington.