On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys battle the division rival New York Giants on their trek toward the NFL playoffs. The NFC East isn’t completely wrapped up, but it is essentially over. That doesn’t mean the Cowboys can rest, however. They’ll want to dust the cobwebs off their offense. Meanwhile, the Giants are appreciating season ticket holders with a free MEDIUM soda. Was the material cost between medium and large too much for the organization? Nevertheless, let’s take a look at what we can expect for this divisional matchup, the NFL odds, and make a pick and prediction.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants storylines
It isn’t easy to find field-level storylines in New York. Daniel Jones still hasn’t returned from his neck injury, and the only impressive part of the offense — rookie WR Kadarius Toney — is on the reserve/COVID-19 list for the second time in 2021. The organization has been steadfast in its support of head coach Joe Judge. That causes some concern for me.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are an inverse of what fans expected — or more specifically, hoped for — this season. The defense is performing as a top-five unit, while the offense has been average in so many ways. How good could the defense be, and could the offense turn things around?
Can the Cowboys’ offense turn it around?
There’s a chance the Cowboys can turn around their offensive fortunes. They experimented with Connor McGovern at left guard for a few weeks but have hinted that the experiment might be over. That puts Connor Williams back at left guard and most likely signals a need for a left guard in the upcoming free agency/draft class.
The receivers and Dak Prescott need some couples therapy. They’re on different pages at the moment. Part of the issue with unmitigated autonomy at the QB position pre-snap means everybody has to know all of the checks.
[bet-promo id=”174860″ ]The team also needs to stop relying heavily on a banged-up rushing attack, especially as it lacks creativity. There has been little motion, scant CeeDee Lamb use, and almost no misdirection.
They can improve, but their fix isn’t as simple as the Chiefs’, which was to stop turning the ball over at a hilarious rate.
How good is the Cowboys D?
If the offense can meet somewhere in the middle between where they started the season and where they are now, this team is good enough to make a serious run in the NFL playoffs. The Cowboys’ defense is a legitimate powerhouse.
Randy Gregory was playing at a Pro Bowl level before his injury, and he played well in his return against Washington. DeMarcus Lawrence has long been one of the most well-rounded defensive ends in the game, and Micah Parsons is a Super Saiyan.
That three-headed monster is impossible to defend against for 60 minutes. But what makes them especially dangerous is that all three can win on the inside and outside, allowing Dan Quinn to reach deep into his bag of pressure packages. Adding in a healthy Neville Gallimore is icing on the cake.
Many like to bring up the yards Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown have allowed this season, but the Cowboys passing defense ranks as the best in the NFL by DVOA (Football Outsiders’ efficiency metric), expected points added (EPA), and dropback success rate.
Is that good?
Joe Judge’s job safe, but complicates GM search
Speaking of experiments that meet a deserved end, it appears the Giants will replace Dave Gettleman at the end of the season. However, by all accounts, John Mara believes he has something special in Judge, and he will remain for a third season.
That severely narrows their search for a new GM because the regular operation involves the GM hiring the head coach. There have been few franchises more disastrous than the Giants in the past five years, and this is yet another head-scratching decision. But it’s important to note this doesn’t preclude them from finding a worthy candidate.
Mara believes he’s found his version of Bill Parcells or Bill Belichick. This wouldn’t be the first time a team owner had Lombardi dreams for a coach. The Cowboys moved on from Jason Garrett only after 10 seasons because Jerry Jones thought he had his Tom Landry.
But Mara believes in Judge’s long-term vision. And for now, that’s more important to him than having a complete pool of GM candidates. Unfortunately, if that future GM and Judge can’t find a QB, none of it will matter.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants game prediction and betting odds
- Spread: Cowboys -11 (Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Cowboys -550, Giants +400
- Total: 44
The Cowboys should wipe the floor with the Mike Glennon-led Giants. The Giants’ weakness, which is their offensive line, is a bad one to have against this Cowboys pass rush.
Cowboys vs. Giants Prediction: Cowboys 34, Giants 17