Patriots (1-2) at Cowboys (2-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Cowboys by 7
Patriots’ keys to victory: New England has yet to score more than 20 points in a game this season and is going to need to find an offense to keep pace with Dallas. RB Ezekiel Elliott will have a homecoming with the team for which he spent his first seven seasons. He finally looked ready for action in the Patriots’ first win of the season against the Jets a week ago, rushing for 80 yards. If Dallas hasn’t solved its issues (262 rushing yards allowed per game), he and RB Rhamondre Stevenson could manage the game and find success while QB Mac Jones continues to look for viable receiving options.
Cowboys’ keys to victory: The Dallas defense stiffened up for much of the second half against Arizona, but it was trying to work through the loss of CB Trevon Diggs. The Cowboys’ inability to play both DaRon Bland and Stephon Gilmore on islands ruined the run defense, and they were gashed for big gains in both phases. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will have to clean things up immediately. Meanwhile, the offense is going to need to be a lot crisper than it has been in the last two weeks. Dallas’ redzone offense is missing in action, and it will need to clean that up.
Matchup to watch: Patriots’ Eilliott vs. Cowboys RB Tony Pollard. No, they won’t technically face off, but the former rushing duo and good friends are on opposite sidelines and will be crucial to generating offense for their teams.
Who wins? Dallas needs to bounce back to keep its high aspirations for the season. Its offensive line should be in better shape.
Cowboys 31-17
K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire