Cowboys vs Rams – ITS Staff Picks and Previews

It’s time for week four in the NFL, and that means your Dallas Cowboys will host the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium this Sunday. The game starts at noon CDT and is shaping up to be another test for the Cowboys.

So far, through three weeks, the Cowboys have really spanned the spectrum of play.

1. NYG – Decent to solid offensive effort, defense was beyond expectations
2. @ DEN – Offense was horrible, defense faltered under that pressure
3. @ ARI – Offense started slow, then got hot, defense was solid

Ezekiel Elliott didn’t crush it, with only 80 yards, but he was effective enough. The holes weren’t there early but the more this offensive line plays together, in their new configuration for 2017, the better Zeke’s running lanes will be.

Dak Prescott wasn’t at top form either, at least not to start the game. But the sophomore team captain showed us that he is capable of leading this team. In the second quarter, he  saved a dying play by tucking the ball away and sprinting 10 yards to the endzone. He was perfectly vertical when he crossed the goal line.

It actually looked a bit scary at first, but Dak’s head never touched the ground. It was perhaps the most stunning display of leadership on his part that I’ve seen. That play lit a fire under his team’s ass and they came out in the second half ready to win the game.

Better late than never, right?

The defense was consistent throughout the game last week. As the offense started rolling, the Cardinals played from behind, giving the Cowboys defensive line exactly what they wanted; Carson Palmer holding the ball too long. DeMarcus Lawrence had three sacks, Maliek Collins had two.

The Cowboys were behind in yards and time of possession in the end, and still won 28-17.

I don’t know what we’re going to see from the Cowboys this week. They haven’t exactly been the picture of consistency. For that matter, I don’t know what we can expect to see from the Rams; players have stepped up this season. We’ll see if that continues.

What I do know is that this offensive line needs to get it together. It was a practiced and cohesive unit last year, but the changes at left guard and right tackle set them back to square one. Dak has to be ready to be that spark again. Zeke needs to continue pounding and keep his spirits up. Dez Bryant needs to run north-south for a change. And this defense needs to continue applying pressure, which could be vital to their success according to the analysts over at Sports Betting Dime.

Accomplish all of that and the Rams won’t stand a chance. But if Zack Martin continues expecting La’el Collins to act like Doug Free, and if Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick continue to expect Chaz Green to act like Ron Leary or La’el, then it’s going to be another slow start.

As always, I encourage you to add your own predictions for the game in our comments section below.

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Week 3’s 2nd Half Carries Over to Week 4

After getting challenged in the first half at Arizona, the Dallas Cowboys pick up right where they left off in the second half and jump out to a quick lead. Los Angeles, though an improved team, is forced to play catch-up throughout the game allowing Dallas’ now-dominant pass rush to make life difficult for Jared Goff and company. John Williams – @john9williams

Cowboys 31 – Rams 21

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Battering Ram Ezekiel Elliott Runs Wild

I’m expecting Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys running game to get back on track this week against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams defense has struggled against the run so far this season, which plays right into the hands of the Cowboys. Defensively, DeMarcus Lawrence will continue to harass the QB and hopefully force Jared Goff into a mistake or two. Brian Martin – @bmart0204

Cowboys 27 – Rams 16

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Rams WRs Keep It Close, Cowboys Keep The W

It seemed like the Dallas Cowboys were back on track after a slow start versus the Cardinals. I expect them to get some points on the board again. I think the Rams will keep it close though. Kupp, Woods and Watkins will definitely give this secondary a tough time. Mauricio Rodriguez – @PepoR99

Cowboys 27 – Rams 21

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All About The Offenses

For the first time this year, the Dallas Cowboys score 30 points. And, in the end, they need every single one of those points. The Rams offense has looked much improved under Sean McVay this season, and the Cowboys defense is still working in some very new pieces. The Cowboys should be able to run the ball effectively against Los Angeles, and score enough points to win this shootout. Kevin Brady – @KevinBrady88

Cowboys 30 – Rams 28

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134 Picks Later…

The Cowboys proved a lot about the strength of their team in Monday night’s win at Arizona. Now, the next test for Dallas remains in the NFC West, as the Cowboys must return home and show some consistency on both sides of the ball against a tough, confident, and well-rested Rams team. I expect the Cowboys defense to struggle at times Sunday, but a breakout game from Dez Bryant and Dak Prescott helps the Cowboys offense carry them to 3-1 on this young season. Sean Martin – @ShoreSportsNJ

Cowboys 31 – Rams 24

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Silence of the Rams

The Cowboys seemed to find their identity again in the second half in Arizona. That’s bad news for a Rams defense that gave up over 200 rushing yards to Washington’s mediocre backfield. I expect Zeke to have his first big game of the year and Dallas to look more like their 2016 selves. Jess Haynie – @CowboysAddicts

Cowboys 31 – Rams 20

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Ramming 3-1 Into Existence

The Rams are not a tough matchup for Dallas, not compared to others this season. While the Cowboys defense–as injury riddled as they are–will be tested, the offense should have enough room to wiggle through for the victory. Bryson Treece – @BrysonTreece

Cowboys 24 – Rams 13

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So there you have it. The ITS crew is pretty solid behind the Cowboys this week and I think there’s a good chance we see a different Dallas team than we saw to start at Denver and Arizona.

Share your game picks below and, as always, Go Cowboys!