Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams: -7

Game Total: 48.5

 

 

Players to Watch

Los Angeles Rams

Jared Goff – Goff proved that 2017 was no fluke as he led the Rams offense to the No.2 overall seed in 2018 on the back of a season which saw him throw for 4,688 yards with 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.  Goff completed 64.9% of his passes this year and finished with a 101.1 Rating.  The Cowboys have a strong defense, one that shutdown the Saints offense at one point this year.  The Rams offense would be best suited to let Todd Gurley lead the way and set up the pass off play action.  After a first round exit from the playoffs last season, lets see how Goff does in 2018.

Todd Gurley – Gurley missed the last few weeks of the season due to injury but before getting hurt he had rushed for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 59 catches for 580 yards and four touchdowns.  He is the ultimate weapon for this Rams offense and if he is as close to 100% as possible then the Cowboys are going to have their hands full today.  To that point, Dallas allowed the fifth fewest rushing yards per game this season at 94.6.

Brandin Cooks – Cooks was traded from the Patriots during the offseason and landed in L.A. where many were curious as to how much of an impact he would make in such a run first offense.  Well, he did pretty damn well as he finished the season with 80 catches for 1,204 yards and five touchdowns. He and Robert Woods helped the Rams have a very balanced attack that give defenses fits.

Robert Woods – Woods lead the Rams in catches with 86, and yards with 1,219.  He tied for the team lead with six receiving touchdowns.  Woods proved that his breakout 2017 season was no fluke and he along with Brandin Cooks create problems for opposing defenses that are always focusing on stopping Todd Gurley from doing damage.

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott – Prescott had an OK game against the Seahawks last week as he completed 66.7% of his passes for just 226 yards with one touchdown and one interception.  He did add 29 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown to boost his overall production. The Rams defense has a ton of star power but they have also been susceptible to giving up points.  I don’t think this is a game that Dak does well but if he does then the Cowboys may be primed to pull off the upset.

Ezekiel Elliott – If I am the Cowboys I give Elliot 35+ touches today. I know the Rams front is devastating but they are a group that likes to rush the passer and if Elliot can get into that second level he could have himself a big game.  The running game is also a good way to keep the Rams offense off the field. 

Amari Cooper – The Cowboys passing attack is going to have to deal with a very solid secondary.  I see Talib likely all over Cooper today with Peters and safety help on Gallup.  I don’t think Dallas will win this game if they need to get into a shootout.

Pre-Game Props

1) The last non-kneeling, offensive play of the 1st Quarter is a running play (We'll leave this open until the 2:00 mark) Yes - 2.4/ No - 2.6

YES, both of these teams have elite running games and both figure to be running the ball early and often.  I say the last play of the quarter will be a running play for sure.

2) Both teams combine to complete 12 or more passes in the 1st Quarter Yes - 3.6/ No - 1.9

Nope, again. I think these teams will be running a lot here and both teams have pretty solid run secondaries. I don’t see a ton of completed passes happening early in this game as both try to establish their run.

3) Either team commits a turnover in the 1st Quarter Yes - 4.1/ No - 1.9

I am going to go with a YES on this one.  I think the Rams get to Dak with either a strip sack or an interception.

4) The first offensive play of the 1st Quarter results in a gain of 5 or more yards Yes - 2.8/ No - 2.2

I am going to go with a NO here.  I think both teams are going to start off with a running play and both defenses should be ready for it.

5) 2 or more DAL players record a reception on the DAL opening drive Yes - 2.6/ No - 2.2

I will go with a YES for this one.  I do think Dallas will have to pass a little bit.  Figuring that Zeke can get a first down on the first drive I can see two completed passes happening, one likely to him and the other to Cooper or Jarwin if active.

6) LAR gains 3 or more 1st Downs on their opening drive Yes - 2.5/ No - 2.5

I am going to go with a NO on this one.  I don’t think the Rams start off this game strong after having the long layoff and the adrenaline of the home playoff game. Plus the Cowboys do have a solid defense.