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Dallas Cowboys will get plenty of national exposure in 2017

By Stephen Francis

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the stadium and fans before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the stadium and fans before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Redskins quarterback
Washington Redskins quarterback /

Week 13 — Thursday, November 30 vs. Washington Redskins, 7:30 CST, NBC/NFL Network

Following their Thanksgiving tilt with the Chargers, the Cowboys will play the Washington Redskins in their second straight Thursday game. Combined with the Philadelphia game two weeks before and the Turkey Day matchup, it will mark their third straight nationally-televised game and their fifth national game of the season.

The two teams will have met previously in week eight at FedEx Field. But that one will not have carried a Thursday Night Football audience or the NBC broadcasting team.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for a career high in passing attempts and passing yards last season and remains the biggest playmaker on their offense. It remains to be seen what running back Matt Jones can do, but as it stands before the draft, he’ll be their featured back. So it would behoove the Dallas defense to be ready for lots of passes to receivers DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson, along with tight end Jordan Reed.

Defensively, they’re led by Pro Bowl linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. He led the team in sacks with 11 and forced two fumbles while breaking up two passes in 2016. Prescott and Co. should remain aware of his presence on the field at all times in order to move the ball well. But then again, they were the NFL’s ninth most generous rush defense last season, allowing teams an average of 119.8 rushing yards per game. Look for lots of Zeke.

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