The Dallas Cowboys suffered a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons last weekend in their first game without Ezekiel Elliott, and with the 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles coming to town, many expect the Cowboys to suffer their second straight defeat. However, we don't see that happening. Here are three reasons why Dallas is guaranteed to beat the Eagles this weekend:
1) Cowboys pass rush
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is having an outstanding year, but he's also playing behind one of the league's best offensive lines that usually give him plenty of protection. He won't get that kind of protection on Sunday. Demarcus Lawrence is an absolute menace, recording 11.5 sacks this season, and David Irving already has six sacks after missing the first four games of the season. These two will put plenty of pressure on Wentz all game long, meaning that Wentz won't have one of his better games.
2) Dak Prescott vs. Eagles secondary
The weakest part of Philadelphia's team is their secondary, and no one has either had the desire - or ability - to routinely test them on the outside. Dak Prescott, Dez Bryant, and Dallas' receivers are prepared to do that. Without Elliott, the Cowboys were already going to rely on their passing game even more. The ball will be in Prescott's hands - and that's a good thing for Dallas.
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3) The ref effect
Officials often have an underrated effect on the game, and when Bill Vinovich (who will work Sunday’s game) is on the field, it usually means good things for the Cowboys. Dallas is 4-2 in games refereed by Vinovich, being flagged 11 fewer times than their opponents in those games. That's going to count for something.
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