On Sunday afternoon, the NFC will witness an important clash as the Dallas Cowboys (3-4, 2-5 ATS) face off against the Atlanta Falcons (5-3, 4-4 ATS). Their last encounter in 2021 saw the Cowboys dominate with a decisive 43-3 victory at home. The Cowboys are coming off a close 30-24 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers, narrowly missing the spread as 5.5-point underdogs. In contrast, the Falcons recently secured a 31-26 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, managing to cover as slight half-point favorites. In this matchup, Atlanta is favored by 2.5 points as they play at home. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 PM EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and will be broadcast regionally on FOX.
Who will claim a crucial victory in the NFC playoff race? Read on for our Cowboys vs. Falcons prediction.
Cowboys Struggle Amid High Expectations
The Dallas Cowboys, often dubbed “America’s Team,” find themselves in a challenging position this season. Despite their storied history, the team has only managed three wins in their first seven games. Currently on a two-game losing streak, their recent losses came against formidable opponents, first to the Detroit Lions and then to the 49ers. In the game against San Francisco, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb stood out, amassing 146 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns, yet the team still fell short by six points.
Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his disappointment post-game, saying, “We’re 3-4, that’s the facts of this deal. I’m disappointed. We obviously felt we were going to come in here and do what we needed to do to get the win and we came up short.” Quarterback Dak Prescott has been averaging 263.6 passing yards per game with a completion rate of 63.7%. However, his 10-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio raises concern. In his last outing, he threw for 243 yards but also two interceptions.
CeeDee Lamb has emerged as a key asset in the Cowboys’ offense, ranking third in the league with 613 receiving yards on 45 catches, including four touchdowns. Following him, Jalen Tolbert has contributed with 27 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns. The team has relied on a committee of running backs, with Rico Dowdle returning to action after missing last week. He has recorded 246 rushing yards this season.
The Cowboys’ offensive performance has been lackluster, ranking 22nd in scoring with an average of 21.4 points per game. Their defense, meanwhile, is fifth worst in the league, allowing 28.3 points per game. Linebacker Eric Kendricks leads the team in tackles with 61, while DeMarcus Lawrence tops the squad with three sacks. Dallas has registered four interceptions from four different players.
Injury Report:
Questionable: G Zach Martin, DT Linval Joseph, LB Eric Kendricks, LB Micah Parsons, CB Trevon Diggs, CB DaRon Bland
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Falcons Stand Tall in NFC South
The Atlanta Falcons have positioned themselves as the leaders in the NFC South, showcasing strong performances against divisional rivals. They’ve bested the Buccaneers twice and also secured victories against the Saints and Panthers, which could be pivotal for potential tie-breaker scenarios later in the season. Atlanta has won four out of their last five games, with their only setback against the Seattle Seahawks. In their latest game, they overcame a depleted Buccaneers team, propelled by Kirk Cousins’ impressive 276 passing yards and four touchdown passes.
Head coach Raheem Morris emphasized the importance of divisional games following their win over Tampa Bay, stating, “It’s always great to get away with a division win. We talk about outrunning the South, and the guys have absolutely bought into what we want to do.” Cousins has been solid in his first season as the Falcons’ quarterback, averaging 263.3 passing yards per game with a 68.3% completion rate and a 14-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Bijan Robinson has emerged as the Falcons’ leading running back, with 546 rushing yards at 4.7 yards per carry and four touchdowns. In their recent matchup against the Seahawks, Robinson managed to gain 103 yards. Complementing him is Tyler Allgeier, who has 352 rushing yards at 5.2 yards per carry and two touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by Drake London, who has accumulated 525 yards on 48 catches with five touchdowns, while tight end Kyle Pitts is starting to fulfill his potential with 419 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Atlanta’s scoring offense ranks 12th in the league, averaging 24.3 points per game. Their defense, however, sits at 19th, allowing 24.4 points per game. Linebacker Kaden Ellis has been pivotal in the middle of the field, leading the team with 65 tackles. The Falcons have recorded only six total sacks so far, lacking a standout pass rusher. They have managed to secure seven interceptions, with cornerback A.J. Terrell and safety Jessie Bates III each contributing two.
Injury Report:
Questionable: G Chris Lindstrom, LB Kaden Ellis, LB JD Bertrand, LB Troy Anderson, CB Antonio Hamilton Sr., S Justin Simmons
Expert Betting Insights for Cowboys vs. Falcons
The Cowboys’ offensive strategy revolves heavily around CeeDee Lamb, which may not suffice against a well-prepared defense. With Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin as secondary options, the Cowboys risk becoming predictable. The Falcons, under defensive-minded coach Raheem Morris, are likely to focus on containing Lamb, pressuring Prescott to explore alternative avenues for yardage.
Dallas has struggled in the rushing department, ranking last in the league with an average of only 74.1 rushing yards per game. Atlanta, meanwhile, boasts the 12th-best scoring offense in the league. Kirk Cousins has demonstrated impressive form this season, including a standout performance where he passed for over 500 yards in a victory against Tampa Bay. With a wealth of talent in their skill positions, the Falcons are poised for a successful outing. They only need to cover by a field goal at home to secure a win, making them a compelling choice for bettors.
