Rams vs. Cowboys: Preview, score prediction for Week 4
Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys
Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams enter this Week 4 game with 2-1 records, and both are coming off wins last week. The Rams have the highest-scoring offense in the NFL after three games, while the Cowboys are having issues with their secondary staying healthy.
This game features two of the best young running backs in the NFL, Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott. These two started a renaissance at the position in the NFL. This season, Gurley has rushed the football 63 times for 241 yards and four touchdowns. He’s also been valuable as a pass-catcher 13 receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
As for Elliott, his season has been a bit complex at times. He made 55 carries for 192 yards with one touchdown. The star running back has also caught 12 passes for 64 yards. This hasn’t been the season Elliott has envisioned after breaking onto the NFL scene last year with 1,800-plus yards, but after 80 yards and scoring his first touchdown of the season last week, that could be the start of getting back on track at a more consistent level.
Cowboys Keys to Victory
Continued pass rush: The Cowboys will need the pass rush of Demarcus Lawrence to be at full steam once again. This season, he already has 6.5 sacks, including three in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. If he can cause disruption to rookie quarterback Jared Goff, that can only help the injured secondary.
Secondary needs to step up: Speaking of that injured secondary, the Cowboys are playing tough, but those chosen to replace the injured starters must play at a higher and more consistent level for the entire four quarters. The Cowboys have an excellent leader in the secondary with Byron Jones, but they are also allowing 315 yards of offense and 227 passing yards per game this season.
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Stop Todd Gurley: If the Cowboys can keep the Rams’ top running back away from making big plays, or from being their focal point on offense, that will put the pressure on Goff. Even with the Rams having the highest-scoring offense in the NFL, it won’t be that way if Gurley stays in the backfield and others like Goff are forced to make plays.
Improve on offense: As for the Cowboys offense, it just hasn’t been as impressive as it was one year ago. If they want to get back to that standard, they’ll have to get Dez Bryant more involved in the offense and be a team that is better that their 22nd overall rushing ranking at 89.3 yards per game.
Los Angeles Rams
Keep the scoring average high: The Rams are averaging 35 points per game this season, and twice this season they’ve eclipsed the 40-point mark. It is doubtful they do that again this week, but they need to put up points to help combat the Cowboys offense should it get going.
Stop Demarcus Lawrence: The revamped offensive line of the Rams has played well thus far through the first three weeks as they’ve allowed Goff to be sacked just three times this season, but they’ve yet to face the rejuvenated Lawrence as the defensive end is having his best season to date. It has taken some time for Lawrence to get to this point of his career, but something will have to give for either the Rams or Lawrence.
Tavon Austin needs to be more involved: Tavon Austin only has one reception for seven yards through the first three games of the season. He’s had issues with fumbling on punt returns and has seen limited offensive snaps. Sure, the Rams are a high-scoring offense, but Austin needs to get involved with this group some way, somehow for their success to grow.
Odds
Point Spread: Dallas -7
Moneyline: Dallas -275, Los Angeles +235
Over/Under: 47.5
Odds via Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: One burning question for each team, Week 4
Prediction
The Cowboys must play smoothly on offense and have a chance to against a Rams defense conceding 25 points per game Dez Bryant must be more involved in the offense from here on out. If Bryant plays up to his potential, the Cowboys rushing game plays to their potential and the defense makes some stops, they will defeat the Rams.
If that doesn’t happen, expect another Rams shootout like they had last week against the 49ers, and it could happen if the Cowboys secondary doesn’t take a step forward ass an entire unit.
Final Score: Los Angeles Rams: 27, Dallas Cowboys: 30