Fansided

NFL Playoffs: Keys To The 4 Wildcard Games

By Bryce Olin

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions (11-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (12-4)

Key to the game: RB DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

In my “Who Deserves the NFL MVP?” column, I ranked DeMarco Murray as the top candidate to win the NFL MVP award heading into Week 17, and now I think Murray is the key to Cowboys-Lions game in the first-round of the NFL playoffs.

The Detroit Lions have a dominant pass rush and defensive line that is one of the best in league. In fact, the Lions finished eighth in the league in sacks and totaled 42 sacks this season. Detroit also led the league in rushing defense and only allowed 69.3 rushing yards per game.

Even without Ndamukong Suh, who was suspended for stepping on Aaron Rodgers’ leg in Week 17, the Lions will have the advantage at the point of attack, and that usually never bodes well for the opposition.

If the Cowboys can establish the league’s leading rusher, Murray, they can take some of the pressure off Tony Romo to find receivers down the field when he’s running for his life.

Romo has played great this season, and Dez Bryant has an advantage against Detroit’s secondary, so the plays will be there down the field. But, if Dallas can’t control the ball in the run game, they’re going to allow Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Golden Tate more opportunities to score.

While Detroit’s offense has struggled this season, let’s not pretend like the Cowboys defense doesn’t look like it could break at any second. The Lions have the receivers in Johnson and Tate to blow this game wide open if Dallas can’t control the ball with Murray in the run game.

If Murray does get going, though, Dallas is going to win in a blowout.

Keep a close eye on Murray in this one.

Next: Cardinals-Lions

Home/NFL