Once upon a time, a bountiful feast betwixt the Pilgrims and the Indians was shared, the end. Not much of a story, I know, but that’s only because we had to wait nearly four centuries to get to the good stuff. It’s Thanksgiving, and that means we’re preparing for the Three Effs of Thanksgiving; food, family, and football. The first two are on you, so don’t skimp, but that last one, well… fate had an idea on that one.
This Thanksgiving, the Dallas Cowboys have invited the Washington Redskins into their home for something of a feast, too. Only this feast is sure to look a little more like:
Than the more traditional scene of Thanksgiving festivities…
It’s the Redskins, and we all know how that story goes. What we don’t yet know is how this year’s chapter, the Cowboys home game, will go. Lots of talk about Alfred Morris getting his second shot against his former teammates, which RJ Ochoa covered in this week’s 5 Bold Predictions. But mostly, the talk of both towns is whether or not the Redskins can slow the Cowboys’ roll at all.
The Cowboys sit atop the league at 9-1. While hugely improbable and not without its close calls, it is what it is. The ‘Boys are also on a streak of eight consecutive games with at least 400 yards of total offence, and carrying that stat line through this contest would be an NFL record. Not to mention nine wins in a row, but there’s no record to be set there (Thanks a lot, Dolphins and Patriots).
So, as we contemplate traditions, life, and the match-up before us, let’s have a look at what The Star writers have to say.
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John Williams | @John9williams
Well, I’ve picked the Dallas Cowboys to win in every game this year, and they’ve made me look like a genius in every game, aside from the week one, one point loss to the New York Giants. As I am the eternal optimist, nothing will sway me now.
I see the Dallas Cowboys being able to win each and every game remaining on their schedule, the only question is, will they?
This week they face a Washington team on a bit of a role, that’s running the ball very well and allowing Kirk Cousins to have some success. I see the Dallas Cowboys giving up a lot of yards to Washington, but will win the game because Washington will be forced to kick field goals.
Cowboys 31 – Redskins 24
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Kevin Brady | @Kevinbrady88
I expect this to be an absolute dog-fight, just as it was in week two.
This 9-game winning streak started at Washington, and it will continue to roll through Washington this week. Ezekiel Elliott goes over 100 yards against an NFC East foe for the first time, and Dez Bryant hauls in another touchdown catch.
Dan Bailey wins it late, and the Cowboys improve to 10-1.
Cowboys 27 – Redskins 24
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Sean Martin | @ShoreSportsNJ
I hope you’re all ready to watch some points be scored on Thanksgiving. I have a feeling this is going to be a shootout game for the ages, and a new chapter on a classic NFC East rivalry.
As I submitted to RJ Ochoa in his bold predictions, I think the winning team will pull away by 17 or more points, and if I’m right in picking the Cowboys, the league will never doubt us again. Time to eat.
Cowboys 41 – Redskins 24
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RJ Ochoa | @RJOchoa
The Cowboys Offense has amassed eight consecutive games of over 400 total yards – only the 2007 Patriots and 2013 Broncos have done this. They’ll get theirs, and they’ll need them against Kirk Cousins and a feisty Redskins team.
Turkey Day Shootout!
Cowboys 30 – Redskins 24
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Ian Koplowitz | @BleedingTheStar
[get_helmet team=”dal” face=”l” align=”right” size=”md”]
I just don’t know anymore. I’ve picked against the Cowboys 3-4 times since week one, and they prove me wrong each time. This is a much improved Redskins team than the one we beat in week 2, but we’re a lot better as well.
The weapons they have on offense scare me, but I think they’re saying the same about us. We’re really going to need a turnover or two in this game, and I think we can get one. In another close game, I look for Dan Bailey to give us the scores we need to widen the divisional gap.
Cowboys 27 – Redskins 24
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Jess Haynie | @CowboysAddicts
The Cowboys are the better team and get a major advantage with the short week at home.
Still, this will be a tight rivalry match-up. Dallas-Washington games are often unpredictable.
Cowboys 27 – Redskins 24
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Justin Grohowski | @Grohowknowhow
Two of the league’s best offenses are squaring off in this divisional showdown. I expect it’ll be a shootout, and the Dallas offense to not skip a beat in this one. Zeke Elliott gets back on track here, and the Dak to Dez show will continue to roll.
A banged up Dallas secondary could burn the Cowboys, but they finally force a late crucial turnover to swing this one in their favor. The extra short week for the Redskins could play a factor here as well, as they are coming off a Sunday Night Football win at home.
Dallas wins a tight one.
Cowboys 31 – Redskins 26
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Brian Martin | @Bmart0204
When the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins play each other, you can almost guarantee a tough physical game. This is the first time the Cowboys rookies are playing after a short week, but I think they’re up to the challenge.
I give the Cowboys the advantage at home and think Dan Bailey kicks the winning field goal.
Cowboys 24 – Redskins 21
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Bryson Treece | @BrysonTreece
Yeah, the Redskins are on a roll, but so are the Cowboys. The only question is will the Cowboys find a way to win, again. They’ve done it most of the year so I know it’s possible. It’s even likely, and that’s why I’m going with the ‘Boys on this one.
Kirk Cousins and the Redskins will prove this to be just another NFC East rivalry match-up. They’ll surprise us with their hunger, a rematch they’ve been waiting for since week two. But I see Dak Prescott (run), Dez Bryant (pass), and Ezekiel Elliott (run) each getting their own touchdowns, plus some Dan Bailey’s clutch footwork to put it away.
Cowboys 31 – Redskins 24
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Wow. There’s just a whole lot of wow going around this season.
I mean, even the most optimistic fan had to see 6-5 as a very real possibility when Tony Romo went down against the Seahawks in preseason. Nobody, and I mean no one, had any clue how these Cowboys could be playing for 10-1 come Thanksgiving.
But here we are, aren’t we? It’s just been a hell of a ride so far. I, for one, would have liked to see Tony Romo at the helm of this beast, but Dak Prescott has done an outstanding job leading this team. Which is why my gifts for Thanksgiving this year are new Tony Romo navy and Dak Prescott white jerseys. Not that I can wear them during the game, but that’s another story for another time.
So enjoy it, folks.
We wish you all a very happy and fruitful Thanksgiving from everyone here at Inside The Star. We love you guys and enjoy sharing this ride with each and every one of you. Keep your loved ones close and the TV turned up loud, oh and try not to fall asleep before it’s over, because this game is going to be fun to watch.
