The Dallas Cowboys need a win over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive, but many think the Raiders are the more talented team and will win after a disappointing loss last weekend. Luckily for the Dallas, we think they'll be the ones leaving the field victorious. Here are three reasons why the Cowboys are guaranteed to beat the Raiders:
1) Strength of the Cowboys defense
When linebacker Sean Lee has played, Dallas' defense has been absolutely on fire. In the three games he missed, the Cowboys are giving up over 26 points per game. However, in the eight games Lee has played in, Dallas is giving up just over 17 points per game. That difference will continue to show itself on Sunday.
2) Oakland's struggles throwing down the field
The biggest reason for that - other than Lee's presence - is Raiders quarterback Derek Carr's struggles throwing the ball down the field. Usually a good deep-ball thrower, Carr has completed just 26 percent of his passes 20+ yards down the field this season. Dallas' secondary is the biggest question mark with this unit, so with Carr's struggles, that weakness won't be exploited.
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3) The more desperate team
Oakland is only one game back in the AFC West and will still be alive for the playoffs even if they were to lose on Sunday. For Dallas, that isn't the case. They know they need to win each of their three remaining games to stay alive and have been in that mode for the past two weeks as well, and using that motivation to beat the Redskins and Giants. That motivation (which Oakland doesn't have) will carry the Cowboys to another win.
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