Bengals vs. Cowboys Expert Pick
The Bengals and the Cowboys are not out of playoff contention, but they each only have a 2% chance to make it currently. They both will still have a 5% chance with a win and fall to less than 1% with a loss. Both teams are playing for their season in primetime, but neither has met preseason expectations. It should still be an exciting game with stars all over the field. Read more Bengals vs. Cowboys expert pick.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals lost to the Steelers at home last week, 44-38. Their defense could not stop Russell Wilson, but their offense had zero problems. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both caught touchdowns as Joe Burrow spread the ball around to seven different targets.
Left tackle Orlando Brown (fibula) could not practice this week and is out on Monday. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (illness) will also miss after not practicing.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have won two in a row and notched their first victory at home against the Giants last week, 27-20. Rico Dowdle ran for 112 yards and a touchdown on Thanksgiving to lead the Cowboys’ offense.
Right guard Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder) and defensive back Juanyeh Thomas (knee) are both out. CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) was limited in the final two practices but is expected to play without setbacks. Cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) was also limited all week and is questionable. Left tackle Tyler Guyton (ankle/knee) is also questionable.
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Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys Head-To-Head
These defenses have been atrocious all season. They both rank in the bottom three in points allowed per game, allowing 28.3 points per game. The Bengals have been even worse recently, allowing 37.7 per game over their last three games, while the Cowboys sit at 26.7 in that span.
The Cowboys’ secondary could be at full strength for the first time this season if Diggs can play, but they will have their hands full. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are two of the premier receivers in the league, and Joe Burrow is having a stellar season. He leads the league with 3,337 passing yards and 30 touchdowns with five interceptions. He has done that while being sacked 30 times this season.
The Cowboys should feast against the Bengals’ offensive line. They average 2.8 sacks per game (9th), and the Bengals allow 2.5 per game. Burrow will be under pressure all game, with the Cowboys coming off a game where they recorded six sacks. Cooper Rush may have clean pockets most of the night because the Bengals rank 30th with 1.8 sacks per game. Trey Hendrickson is the player they will gameplan against.
He leads the league with 11.5 sacks and has been the only player to apply any pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Rush has been average since taking over for Dak Prescott but has limited turnovers. He has two interceptions and one fumble lost in eight games this season. The stars should shine bright in primetime on both sides of the ball.
Prediction
Over/Under
These defenses have not inspired any confidence recently. The Cowboys have been playing better but cannot stop Burrow and this high-powered offense. Rush should not have to do much against the Bengals but must make smart decisions and protect the ball. Over 49.5
Spread
The Cowboys have a 1-5 record at home, with their lone win against the Drew Lock-led Giants. They are also 1-5 against the spread at home, while the Bengals are 5-1 ATS on the road. They have only won three of those games but have enough firepower to outscore the Cowboys by six. Bengals -5.5
Player Prop
Rico Dowdle has hit his stride in the latter part of this season. He averages 99 yards per game over the last two weeks with about 20 attempts per game. The Bengals’ soft run defense (128.2 rushing yards allowed per game) should be even worse without Sheldon Rankins, which gives Dowdle open lanes to run. The Cowboys will also want to take the ball out of Rush’s hands as much as possible. Dowdle should go over this rushing total unless the game gets out of hand quickly. Rico Dowdle Over 67.5 Rushing Yards -115
