The Dallas Cowboys host the Buffalo Bills for an old-school rivalry matchup on Thanksgiving. Bold predictions for the Week 13 contest.
From 1991-94, the Buffalo Bills lost four-straight Super Bowl matchups. The final two losses in that run came to the Dallas Cowboys, who were beginning a run of winning three Lombardi Trophies in four years. And while Super Bowl success has eluded both franchises since the mid-90s, they renew that old rivalry on Thanksgiving Day this season.
As of right now, this is a matchup between two playoff teams. Though Josh Allen and the Bills haven’t played the toughest of schedules, they are 8-3 and currently occupy the No. 5 seed in the AFC. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have been sporadic but still hold the lead in the NFC East with a 6-5 record on the year.
So will the Thanksgiving magic stay true for the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium or will the Bills get a signature win to further solidify their playoff candidacy? Here are five bold predictions for the Week 13 matchup on Turkey Day.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
5. Zeke shows out with 100 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards
Ezekiel Elliott has not looked the part of the highest-paid running back in the NFL this season. The Dallas Cowboys star has been fine but has not been making big plays and has been shut down on numerous occasions, despite the fact that the offensive line has played incredibly well and stayed relatively healthy in 2019.
While that may be true, one area where the Bills defense can be had is with the run. I believe Dallas’ O-line will get a strong push and, with the Thanksgiving lights shining bright, Elliott will finally step up and break out. Beating Buffalo’s linebackers on the ground and through the air, he’ll have his biggest and most productive game of the 2019 season.
4. Allen runs all over Cowboys for 100-yard day as well
As good as Jaylon Smith has been for the Cowboys linebacker corps this season, the simple truth is that the second level is less effective with Sean Lee on the field in place of Leighton Vander Esch, who will miss another game in the matchup with Buffalo.
Where that will come into play will be with Josh Allen and his rushing ability. The Bills quarterback is one of the best running quarterbacks in the league and he’ll give the second level of the Dallas defense fits when he takes off, ending the day with at least 100 yards rushing.
3. Allen also tosses two interceptions
One area where Josh Allen has improved tremendously in the middle of the 2019 season is with his propensity for turnovers. He has just one interception in his last five games, which is quite good and impressive considering the accuracy issues that plagued him coming into the NFL.
Having said that, the Cowboys defense is opportunistic and will force Allen into some tough throws by creating pressure on a banged-up offensive line. Dallas will come away with two interceptions as a result.
2. White picks off Prescott once
Dak Prescott enters Week 13 as the NFL’s leading passer but also coming off of a game where the Patriots elite defense held him to just 212 yards and a pick. And though the Bills aren’t on the level of the Pats, they’ll get the best of Dak at least once. Specifically, Tre’Davious White — who will likely be matched up with Amari Cooper all day — will come up with a pick off of Prescott, even if the Dallas quarterback ends up with a more favorable yardage total in Week 13.
1. Dak, Gallup connect for two touchdowns, 150-yard day
As mentioned, White is going to be matched up with Cooper for much of this game, as it should be. And as good as Cooper has been for the Dallas Cowboys offense, he’s susceptible to getting locked down by elite cornerbacks, which White undoubtedly is.
However, I have less faith in the rest of the Bills defensive backs as they’re good but not on the level of White. Subsequently, the Cowboys high-octane passing attack will take advantage, specifically with Michael Gallup. Prescott will find him in the end zone at least twice and the second-year wideout will end up with 150 yards for the outing.