The Dallas Cowboys will travel to New York to play their division rival, the Giants, on Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys are trying to revamp a moribund defense in one offseason, while the Giants overhauled many things including adding John Harbaugh as their new coach.
All of this change by both teams lends an air of uncertainty around the game. Still, we’re going to make three bold predictions for the game. FanDuel has the Cowboys as the favorites (-2.5) and has set an over/under of 48.5 points.
1. Ryan Flournoy leads the Cowboys in receiving yards
The Cowboys have two potent weapons at receiver in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Last year the duo helped carry the Cowboys to whatever victories the team could get. The Giants know what is coming in the passing game and will build their defense around limiting Lamb and Pickens.
That will leave a lot of meat on the bone for Ryan Flournoy. Instead of pushing the ball in to double-coverage or bracket coverage on Lamb and Pickens, Dak Prescott will instead turn to the newly extended Flournoy.
Flournoy will feast in the game for 110 yards and lead the Cowboys receiving unit.
2. Caleb Downs will force a turnover
Caleb Downs will get his first extended play time in this game as he barely played in the preseason. Downs will be used mainly as a nickel, or a safety playing in the middle of the defense. In short, the Cowboys will want to get him around the ball as much as possible.
Downs seems like a rookie who can handle the pressure. He’s confident and smart, and will make plays. In this game, he will make his mark with a turnover.
Downs will either intercept a pass or force a fumble during the game.
3. Von Miller will get 1.5 sacks
The Cowboys finally have Von Miller on their team after various points of his career where it seemed he maybe could come to Dallas. The veteran pass rusher isn’t what he once was at his advanced age (37), but the Cowboys plan to use him in a limited pass rush role to keep him fresh.
That is one thing he can still do. We saw him make a few plays while participating in limited practices this offseason. But now it’s the real thing, and we have confidence in Miller.
Miller will get a sack on Jaxson Dart as he tries to escape the pocket, and then share another sack.
Okay, over to you BTB. Make your one bold prediction for the game in the comments.
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