Our Indianapolis Colts vs. Dallas Cowboys prediction takes a look at the Week 13 matchup that features one team set on making a deep playoff run and another that will be looking for a new head coach in just a few short months.
Let’s take a look at the current sports betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Nov. 29.
Colts vs. Cowboys Odds | Week 13
- Spread
Cowboys -10 - Moneyline
Cowboys -520, Colts +410 - Over/Under
44 points
Colts vs. Cowboys Prediction
The Colts made a change at QB just a few short weeks ago, and it seemed – for a brief moment – that they may have found something with new interim head coach Jeff Saturday. The Colts were able to beat the Las Vegas Raiders 25-20 back on Nov. 13, but since then, they have lost two straight and most likely seem destined for a third loss based on who their opponent is.
The Colts are in line for a tough outing this next week against a Cowboys defense that has suffocated opposing offenses so far this season. The Cowboys are allowing the fewest points per game this year at just 17.0, and their pass defense is a big reason for that mark. Dallas’ secondary is allowing just 177.7 passing yards per contest, which is also the best in the NFL, and the Colts are going to need to turn more to the ground game here this week.
The key for the Colts to keeping this game close will be their offensive line owning the line of scrimmage. If they can consistently move the Dallas interior defenders back in the run game and create holes for Jonathan Taylor, the Colts have a chance of controlling the momentum of this game.
Additionally, they’ll need to be sound in pass protection when they do throw the ball with Matt Ryan due to Dallas’ ability to get after the QB. If they can get solid play from their line, they have a shot of making this a close contest.
On the other side of the ball, Dallas is getting hot at just the right time. They’ve now won four out of their last five games and have averaged an astonishing 33.8 points per game over that time frame. On top of that, they remain heavily linked to Odell Beckham Jr. as he makes visits before deciding where to sign, and he could help take the offense to even greater heights if he does choose to land in Dallas.
The driving force for the Cowboys’ offensive explosion has been their tandem of running backs. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have accounted for five of the team’s touchdowns on offense in just the past two games alone.
Indianapolis has allowed just 96 rushing yards per game over their last three contests, but Dallas has gotten Pollard heavily involved as a receiver in recent weeks, and this is where the Colts have struggled. They’re allowing 40.8 receiving yards per game to opposing RBs, and that mark is near the top of the league. Dallas could easily attack this weakness with a dynamic receiving threat like Pollard.
Dallas will also be able to make Ryan uncomfortable behind the Colts’ offensive line. Indianapolis is currently allowing the most sacks per game at 3.6, and now face Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ pass rush. If the Colts have to pass it and Dallas can get to Ryan, this game could get ugly.
Colts vs. Cowboys Prediction
Cowboys 27, Colts 17