The Landry Hat
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3 teams Cowboys are most likely to face in 2022 NFL Playoffs

By Randy Gurzi

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 11: Donovan Wilson #6 of the Dallas Cowboys and Tarell Basham #93 tackle Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at AT&T Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 11: Donovan Wilson #6 of the Dallas Cowboys and Tarell Basham #93 tackle Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at AT&T Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 20: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

2. Minnesota Vikings

This one would be a rematch from Week 11, a game where Dallas handed the Minnesota Vikings a 40-3 loss in their own stadium. It was a shock to see such a one-sided affair, since the Vikings were playing excellent football leading up to that contest. In fact, this was just their second loss of the season.

A rematch in the playoffs would again be in Minnesota, as the NFC North Champions would be playing in front of their home crowd.

Major Weapons Cowboys Must Prepare for on Vikings Offense

It might not have seemed like it in Week 11, but this Minnesota offense is loaded. Kirk Cousins is a vastly underrated quarterback, and running back Dalvin Cook can take over a game. They also have a great tight end in T.J. Hockenson and a savvy veteran wideout in Adam Thielen.

Having said all of that, their best player is Justin Jefferson. He’s already at 99 receptions for 1,500 yards with six touchdowns this season. He’s also going to be motivated to show out against Dallas since they held him to 33 yards on three receptions earlier this year.

Major Weapons Cowboys Must Prepare for on Vikings Defense

While they’re not as dominant as they once were, the best defenders in Minnesota are defensive end Danielle Hunter and cornerback Patrick Peterson. Just like with the 49ers, the Cowboys could be in trouble with Hunter due to the injuries on their line.

Concerning Matchup for Cowboys

Dallas has been banged up in the secondary, so the most concerning matchup has to be the receiving trio of Jefferson, Thielen, and K.J. Osborn against Trevon Diggs and a slew of inexperienced players. Diggs can hold his own, but they need to see a leap from Kelvin Joseph — or hope the recently acquired Trayvon Mullen can perform in this scheme.

Greatest Advantage for Cowboys

Tony Pollard is the great equalizer here. The fourth-year running back has put together a sensational campaign, but arguably had his best game of the season against this defense. Pollard led Dallas in rushing yards with 80, and had 109 yards on six receptions with two touchdowns.

Should Minnesota focus too much on him, there are others who can make them pay, so they’ll have to pick their poison.

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