Cowboys (6-4) at Patriots (9-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: New
England by 61⁄2
Cowboys’ keys to victory: QB Dak Prescott has looked like a revelation under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, but in Week 9, the Baltimore Ravens showed New England’s biggest weakness: run defense. The Cowboys can put that issue on display in Week 12 with Ezekiel Elliott using power to attack the middle of New England’s defense and speed to exploit the edges. Defensively, the Cowboys need to take away the Patriots top two pass-catchers, WRs Julian Edelman and Mohamed Sanu. CB Byron Jones is having a stellar season, but the Cowboys look unsettled in the slot, bouncing between CBs Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis.
Patriots’ keys to victory: QB Tom Brady will have to attack a solid Dallas secondary in a mistake-free game. Defensively, the Patriots might have to tinker with their personnel at linebacker if they find Elliott’s productivity overwhelming. A productive day from Elliott would mean the Patriots have to make sacrifices to their pass defense in favor of better run defenders. That would put pressure on safety Devin McCourty to prevent big passing plays.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys WR Amari Cooper vs. Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore. We’re looking at two of the premier players at their position. If Gilmore can’t limit Cooper, the Patriots might be looking at a loss.
Who wins? The Patriots have home-field advantage and the offense should get a boost from the return of tackle Isaiah Wynn and WR N’Keal Harry from injuries.
Patriots, 27-24