By Buck Coquillette
This week, the Dallas Cowboys (6-3) play the Minnesota Vikings (8-1). These two teams have had great starts to their seasons, with the Cowboys having a powerhouse defense and the Vikings having an electric offense.
The Vikings have a ton of positive momentum after a crazy game last week against the Bills. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has 2,356 passing yards and is finding ways to win game after game. Running back Dalvin Cook has 727 rushing yards, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson has 1,060 receiving yards. On the defensive side, linebacker Jordan Hicks has 77 tackles, two sacks, and an interception on the year. Safety Harrison Smith has 50 tackles and four interceptions. However, Minnesota is 29th in the league for yards allowed per game with 381.2.
The Cowboys are coming off of a rough loss to the Packers – however, their season has been pretty strong otherwise. This Cowboys offense is 11th in the league for points per game with 23.4. Quarterback Dak Prescott returned in week 7 from injury, and hasn’t quite been his usual self, with an 85.6 passer rating compared to his career 98.2. Tony Pollard and Ceedee Lamb have been the biggest offensive threats this season. Defensively, the Cowboy’s defense is very strong, leading the league in sacks (35) and 8th in the league for allowed QB rating. Outside linebacker Micah Parsons is a dominant figure on the defense with 43 tackles, eight sacks, nine tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. In the secondary, watch out for Donovan Wilson and Trevon Diggs.
This should be a great NFC matchup and a very entertaining game at 4:25 Sunday.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Chicago at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Bears 24-17
Carolina at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Baltimore 31-13
Cleveland at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Buffalo 27-14
Washington at Houston, 1 p.m. Washington 21-10
Philadelphia at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Philadelphia 27-13
New York Jets at New England, 1 p.m. New England 20-17
Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Saints 21-17
Detroit at New York Giants, 1 p.m. Giants 28-17
Las Vegas at Denver, 4:05 p.m. Raiders 17-10
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. Cincinnati 33-20
Dallas at Minnesota, 4:25 p.m. Minnesota 34-31
Kansas City at Los Angeles Chargers, 8:20 p.m. Chiefs 24-17
Monday, Nov. 21
San Francisco vs. Arizona (Mexico City), 8:15 p.m. Niners 24-17
Byes: Jacksonville, Miami, Seattle, Tampa Bay
Inside Sports Journal 