Panthers (3-0) at Cowboys (2-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: No line
Panthers’ keys to victory: The defense is humming under coordinator Phil Snow with an aggressive pressure system and loads of talent. The back end will have to overcome the loss of rookie CB Jaycee Horn, who broke bones in his foot and will be sidelined for months. The Cowboys’ offensive line will be the best test so far for the Panthers’ front. On offense, Carolina will have to function without RB Christian McCaffrey, who is out with a hamstring injury, giving rookie Chuba Hubbard a big opportunity. Finding a way to generate offense without the ultimate two-way threat is a big ask and puts pressure on QB Sam Darnold to exceed expectations.
Cowboys’ keys to victory: Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs will have his hands full shadowing No. 1 WR DJ Moore. Diggs has been up to the task thus far, with three passes defended against the Eagles. The defense could see the return of missing starters in DT Neville Gallimore (elbow), CB Kelvin Joseph (groin) and safety Donovan Wilson (groin). On offense, coordinator Kellen Moore will present Snow his biggest test; Moore has shown the ability to craft a game plan that attacks the weakness of whatever is schemed to flummox QB Dak Prescott.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys RB Tony Pollard vs. Panthers LB Shaq Thompson. The Cowboys have emphasized Pollard more this season, and the speedy Thompson will be Carolina’s best shot at slowing the elusive weapon.
Who wins? Dallas presents too much firepower against a team without its star.
Cowboys, 27-17