NFC Game Of The Week
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Cowboys: They had that game in the bag on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Everything was clicking for them, and they were in cruise control of the football game. It got to a point when they were up by 14 points. That’s game over, right? Not at all. As I’m watching the game, I said to myself, what’s really going on? They’re beginning to implode right before our very eyes. I’m a firm believer in sticking with what got you the lead and put you in prime position. The Cowboys were running the football and doing it consistently. The minute they smelled prosperity, they decided to abandon the ground attack and to be quite honest with you all, I’m not shocked considering who the coach is. Mike McCarthy is notoriously known for his teams not running the football. That’s a bad loss for them on Sunday. I was in conversation with someone the other day and they mentioned CeeDee Lamb isn’t a true number one receiver. I reply if any team needs Odell Beckham Jr, it’s the Dallas Cowboys and if they were to get him, he could change the entire dynamic of that offense. Ask the Rams about him and I’m sure they could tell you about his impact. The NFC is crowded at the top. You have the Eagles and 49ers to name a few. Then, you have the team they will be seeing on Sunday in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Vikings. They will look to get back into the winning column again after a disappointing loss in week ten.
Vikings: After that big win on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, more people are noticing them. That’s as gutsy of a win as they come. Let’s be honest, they weren’t given a chance to win this game considering who it was against and where the game was because Orchard Park is a tough place to play. I saw a group that made key adjustments in the second half. The pass rush got home and they forced two key turnovers of Josh Allen. I enjoy giving people their flowers and Justin Jefferson deserves his. Anytime they called upon his name, he answered the call and made big catch after big catch. I can’t stress this enough. With Mike Zimmer and they play that game they did on Sunday; they lose without question. This is a different Vikings team that we’re seeing. Besides the success we’re seeing on the field, I see a group that’s having fun and most importantly, everyone plays for one another. The last time they lost a game was back in week two when they played the Eagles. Since then, they’ve reeled off seven victories in a row. Now, the other day I was asked if they’re a Super Bowl contender. I respectfully said no because how they play at times concerns me. They’ve either had trouble putting a team away, or they’re behind and have to fight back. Coming back won’t always be the case because there’ll be a team who will keep you down. They return home on Sunday for a date with the Cowboys.
Cowboys X-Factor: Tony Pollard– I feel bad using him as an x-factor because Mike will shy away from him. I’ve always said the formula for the Dallas Cowboys is to run the football. Dak Prescott isn’t the type of Quarterback to take a game into his own hands and if he attempted that, they’d lose. Tony is the better option for them to run the football at this point than Zeke who more than likely won’t play in this game. He will help open up the rest of the field.
Vikings X-Factor: T.J. Hockenson– This was a sneaky, yet good move to acquire him from the Detroit Lions, a division rival. T.J. is a very physical football player that can block for the running game. As a receiver, he’s a challenge to defend because with the ball in his hands, he’s a tough out to tackle and he’s running through the defense. He’ll even carry you with him to the endzone. Adding him to an offense with Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook is a scary thought.
Final Thoughts: Dallas lost a tough game while Minnesota won a tough game. This is a big contest in an NFC that’s crowded with a few contenders. These two met last season and the Cowboys did just enough to beat the Vikings with Cooper Rush under center. Now, both teams are so different. Here’s what’s going to happen. The Cowboys will overcompensate Justin Jefferson and do whatever they can to make sure he won’t beat them. Watch that plan open the door for Dalvin Cook and I say that because the Cowboys have struggled to stop the running game this season. How do the Vikings enter this game? Some teams tend to still celebrate that win from the previous week. I always say in this business, you must turn the page. The Vikings must make this a shootout. Put Dallas in a hole early on if you can.
Prediction: Vikings 30, Cowboys 24
