The Dallas Cowboys need a bounce-back win as they travel to Detroit to face the Lions in Week 11. Bold predictions for America’s Team on Sunday.
Coming off of back-to-back NFC East wins, the Dallas Cowboys were riding high into a primetime matchup against Minnesota last week. And though they didn’t completely lay an egg, particularly in regards to a fantastic game for Dak Prescott, the Cowboys had no answer for the Vikings run game and ultimately took a loss to move to 5-4 on the season.
Jason Garrett‘s club still has the lead in the NFC East but the margin is razor-thin as they own a tiebreaker over the Eagles. That makes the Cowboys’ trip to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions in Week 11 all the more critical for Dallas’ playoff aspirations this season.
The good news for the Cowboys is two-fold. First, the Lions defense has been ailing after a strong early-season run, giving up yards and points in bunches. More importantly, though, it appears as though Jeff Driskel will start at quarterback for the injured Matthew Stafford for the second straight week.
Even still, Dallas has to execute and not try to cruise to a road win against Detroit on Sunday. Will they do it? Here are five bold predictions for the Cowboys in Week 11.
5. Lewis, Woods both pick off Driskel
Because the Lions are short-handed at running back, they were forced to make Jeff Driskel their primary option in the offense last week as he stepped in for Matthew Stafford. Driskel threw the ball 46 times against the Bears last week and, admittedly, was not too shabby. He finished the day going 27-of-46 for 269 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
On their best day, the Bears defense is better than the Cowboys’. Having said that, Chicago’s offensive woes have clearly had tiring effects on their defense. With Dallas likely to have success against the Lions when they have the ball, that won’t be an issue for them on Sunday. Moreover, Driskel may have to throw as much or more if playing from behind.
Though the Cowboys secondary has had their ups and downs — looking at you, Anthony Brown and Byron Jones — cornerback Jourdan Lewis and safety Xavier Woods have been playing at a high level this season, combining for three interceptions this season through nine games.
Lewis and Woods will add to their interception totals against Driskel. Rod Marinelli will likely bring plenty of pressure on the Lions inexperienced quarterback, forcing bad decisions. The result will be the cornerback and safety each grabbing a pick and helping to spark a big game for Dallas overall.