Dallas Cowboys vs Cincinnati Bengals Staff Predictions
By Reid Hanson
The Dallas Cowboys host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. What is the Sport DFW staff predicting? Let’s take a look!
The Dallas Cowboys face their toughest challenge to-date. Top to bottom, the Cincinnati Bengals(2-2) roster is perhaps the most talented in the NFL. Strong offensive and defensive units have made the Bengals mainstays over the past few years and despite the .500 record, the Bengals are expected to be a playoff team once again.
The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, have been anything but consistent and this season is no different. A rash of injuries to key personnel have forced the Dallas Cowboys to lean on some new faces. Led by rookie sensations, Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys have strung together three consecutive victories.
Can they continue their winning streak? Let’s look at the predictions…
Sport DFW Editor/Expert, Reid Hanson
There is no question the Bengals represent the toughest challenge this season. This week will serve as a measuring stick game for the Dallas Cowboys and specifically Dak Prescott. Prescott has been superb in his first four games of his career and has yet to commit a turnover. If he can continue his flawless performance and convert third downs along the way, he could guide the Cowboys to their fourth win.
The real battle will be against the Cowboys offensive line and the Bengals defensive line. If the Cowboys can move the ball on the ground today, they should have a very legitimate shot at winning. The Bengals play with very aggressive(sometimes over-aggressive) LBs. If the Cowboys can execute the play-action, they could get expose the Bengals with their passing game.
In the end I believe the Dallas Cowboys are a bit over matched. A.J. Green is the best in the game and will have a big day and the Cowboys running game gets shut down.
Cowboys: 17 Bengals: 27
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Sport DFW Staff Writer, Dan Ruppert
The Bengals will be a tough test for the Cowboys this week. They have a strong passing game, a respectable defense, and a really good running game.
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It will be a fight for both teams.
The trick will be to take away A.J. Green with help over the top and play sound gap assignments to stop the run.
It will force the Bengals to have to use a mediocre tight end and shaky number 2 to beat then since Eifert has been ruled out.
If the Cowboys can dominate the run game (Cincinnati is one of 2 teams to not give up a running TD this season) and set up play action the Cowboys should walk out winners.
Cowboys 27 Bengals 20
Sport DFW Staff Writer, Dink Kearney
The Dallas Cowboys play their fiercest and most talented opponent on Sunday when they host the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have the Pro Bowler wide receiver A. J. Green on offense and one of the best defenses in the NFL.
This game is going to be a measuring stick for rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and a tough test for fellow running back Ezekiel Elliott. I expect the Cowboys to continue to run the ball 30-40 times with Elliott and Alfred Morris and utilize play action pass with their receiving corps.
Terrance Williams and Brice Butler must beat man coverage and make the Bengals pay when they load the box. If the Cowboys receivers can’t beat man coverage, it’s going to be a long day for Dallas. On defense, the Cowboys will continue to play solid and double-team Green, especially if tight end Tyler Eifert doesn’t play.
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If the defense can pressure and rattle Bengals QB Andy Dalton, the Cowboys can win this game. I expect Dak to perform at a high level and led the Cowboys to victory. It’ll be a tough win and a hard earned one. Dak’s play will keep the QB controversy going.
Cowboys 21 Bengals 20