With the Dallas Cowboys coming out of their bye week, they will immediately get back into the swing of things by squaring off against the New York Giants. Going into the game, the Cowboys are seven-point favorites to defeat their NFC East foe.
Through the first eight weeks of the season, Dallas sits atop the NFC East with a 4-3 record. The Cowboys got off to an impressive 3-0 start but have sputtered ever since.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys are prepared to build off of the momentum that they built before their bye week. In Week 7, Dallas was able to blow out the Philadelphia Eagles, 37-10, on Sunday Night Football.
As for the Giants, they are 2-6 and are in third place in the NFC East. However, with their current record, they are only two games behind the Cowboys for first place. Therefore, a win on Monday night could surprisingly put New York right back into the race for the division crown.
With that being said, here are four reasons why the Cowboys will defeat the Giants in Week 9.
4. The addition of Michael Bennett will pay dividends
So far this season, the pass rush of the Cowboys has been somewhat underwhelming. With the duo of DeMarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn, Dallas has just 17 sacks (20th in the NFL) as a defense.
Over the team's bye week, the front office was able to maneuver a trade that brought Michael Bennett to the state of Texas. Of course, Bennett comes from the New England Patriots. The veteran defensive end had a minimal role with the Patriots and requested for a trade.
With Bennett joining the defense, it allows Rod Marinelli and Kris Richard to add some wrinkles into the defense. On Monday night, Bennett will show that he still has some left in the tank against the Giants.
3. The Cowboys offensive line can keep Dak Prescott clean
Like clockwork, the Cowboys offensive line has been one of the best groups in the NFL thus far. Despite dealing with injuries to Tyron Smith and La'el Collins at one point, Dallas has only given up 10 sacks (third-fewest in the NFL).
On the other side, New York has accumulated 22 sacks as a defense (13th most in the NFL). Even with the Giants having a decent pass rush, it will be negated on Monday night.
Smith and Collins returned to the offense and allowed just one sack on Dak Prescott. No matter who the quarterback is, if they have a clean pocket to throw from, they'll pick your defense apart.
2. Ezekiel Elliott is fresh
When facing the Cowboys, you know you are going to get a healthy dose of Ezekiel Elliott out of the backfield. This week though, New York will be tasked with slowing down a fresh version of the All-Pro running back.
Before Dallas' bye week in Week 8, Elliott rushed for 602 yards on 135 carries and six touchdowns. The talented running back has also hauled in 24 receptions for 176 yards as a receiver.
The Giants boast the 22nd ranked run defense in the NFL; allowing 122.4 yards per game. The Cowboys' offensive line will impose their will while Elliott gashes New York's defense on the ground.
1. Dak Prescott excels against the Giants
Ever since the Cowboys drafted Prescott in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he has had his way with the Giants. Over the course of his career, he has thrown for 1,944 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions against New York.
Above all, the 26-year-old quarterback has gone 5-2 when facing the Giants. In addition, among his numbers against the Giants, his passing yards and touchdowns are the most he has posted against a single team in his career.
Most recently, these two teams faced another back in Week 1 to begin the season. In that game, Prescott threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns. It will be hard to repeat that performance in Week 9 but expect him to perform well against the Giants once again.
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