4 Cowboys bold predictions: Stephon Gilmore shines for Dallas in return to Buffalo

A huge win in Week 14 propelled the Dallas Cowboys into first place in the NFC East. To stay there, they'll need some help keeping the Philadelphia Eagles from re-claiming the tiebreaker but they can't handle that. All they can do is focus on their schedule, which takes them to Western New York to face the Buffalo Bills this weekend.

Coming into this one, the Bills are 5-2 at home whereas Dallas is 3-3 on the road with wins at Carolina, New York (against the Giants), and L.A. (against the Chargers). At first glance, it would seem the Bills have quite the advantage but their home wins haven't been that impressive as the only signature win was against the Dolphins. The other playoff-contending teams they faced at home were the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, which was where the two losses came from.

That means the Cowboys have a legitimate shot at coming out of Buffalo with a win — even though this game once seemed rather daunting. Securing that win would be easier should these four bold predictions come true.

4. Rico Dowdle scores another touchdown

Entering this offseason as a forgotten man, Rico Dowdle took advantage of the opportunity he was given when the No. 2 running back spot opened up. He outperformed every other contender and has been the primary backup behind Tony Pollard all season. He's now become to Pollard what Pollard once was to Ezekiel Elliott.

Through 13 games, Dowdle has 307 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He's added another 82 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver. While his touches are limited, he's made the most of each one.

This first bold prediction is that he continues to shine against the Bills, who are just 19th in the league in rush defense. Pollard will get the bulk of the carries but look for Dowdle to fight his way into the end zone once again as he takes hold of the short-yardage role.