Sunday evening’s matchup between Dallas and Minnesota options two groups on the point of being eradicated from the playoffs. The Cowboys have a greater foothold at this level, however the Vikings aren’t crusing away quietly. In this battle of two determined groups, which particular person Cowboys have the most effective and worst possibilities of shining?
BUY
DT Quinnen Williams
After his dynamic Cowboys debut towards the Raiders, Williams hasn’t been as splashy in the final three video games. He’s nonetheless made an amazing impression general, serving to Dallas beat the Eagles and Chiefs, but it surely’s clear opponents are specializing in stopping Williams from being a big-play terror. Unfortunately for Minnesota, they could not have the instruments to neutralize him.
Advertisement
The Vikings have given up 13 sacks in their final three video games. Even in final week’s 31-0 shutout win over the Commanders, J.J. McCarthy was sacked 4 instances. Minnesota’s cross safety has been simply as leaky inside as on the sides, so it may very well be Williams’ greatest alternative to wreak havoc for the reason that Vegas sport. And if Minnesota does concentrate on stopping him, that ought to imply good issues for Dallas’ different cross rushers.
Additionally, the Vikings rank simply twenty fourth in the league for complete dashing offense. They are likely to fall behind and abandon the run, which is nice since they common a stable 4.6 yards per carry. As lengthy as Dallas’ offense doesn’t take too lengthy to get going, it could assist Williams and the protection by forcing Minnesota away from the bottom sport.
RB Javonte Williams
Running backs have typically had productive days towards the Vikings. Last week, Washington’s backs mixed for 84 yards on simply 17 carries. Seattle’s had 108 yards on 27 carries. The Packers’ Emanuel Wilson had 107 yards and two touchdowns in Week 12. As lengthy as Dallas feeds Javonte Williams, it units as much as be one other sturdy efficiency.
Advertisement
A high-volume day for Williams and the opposite operating backs additionally helps the Cowboys mitigate their very own cross safety points. The Vikings aren’t as geared up to benefit from them because the Lions had been, however Nathan Thomas and Terence Steele are hardly bulwarks at offensive deal with. Leaning on the run permits each of them, particularly Steele, to have a significantly better shot at making constructive contributions.
CB DaRon Bland
From Weeks 10-12, J.J. McCarthy threw not less than two picks in every sport. He’s a traditional gunslinger, and that’s simply the type of quarterback that DaRon Bland likes to see. While Bland has had some protection struggles in Matt Eberflus’ scheme, he’s nonetheless flashed his trademark ballhawk capability. There have been a number of close to misses on picks this 12 months, and McCarthy appears extremely probably to present Bland not less than one alternative. (*15*), Dallas’ high CB capitalizes.
SELL
QB Dak Prescott
Because the Vikings’ offense has been so unhealthy most weeks, it’s made it arduous to inform the place the cracks are on protection. Opponents have been capable of keep conservative, therefore these high-volume dashing totals we talked about earlier. But in any case, that will imply a low-production sport for Prescott. That’s to not say he can’t be extremely environment friendly and contribute to a victory, however it could be stunning to see him go off for excessive yardage.
Advertisement
WR George Pickens
Many are hoping for a bounce-back sport from the star receiver, but it surely’s not in the playing cards this week. Again, passing video games are usually fairly quiet towards Minnesota. And if any receiver does put up sturdy numbers, it tends to be a TE over a WR. The worst factor Dallas can do is attempt to drive the ball to Pickens in response to final week’s unhealthy publicity. (*15*), CeeDee Lamb is ready to play to assist relieve that strain.