Bengals at Cowboys: Game preview, odds, prediction

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates after making a first down conversion during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates after making a first down conversion during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /
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The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Big D this weekend to face the red hot Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 action.

Week 5 of the 2016 NFL season has a few marquee matchups on the schedule and one of those will take place in “The house that Jerry built” when the Bengals take on the Cowboys from AT&T Stadium. Right now Dallas is clicking along nicely with Dak Prescott at QB. After dropping the opener to the Giants, the Cowboys have won three straight and will look to run that streak to four vs. Marvin Lewis and the Bengals.

While Dallas looks to stretch their record to 4-1, the 2-2 Bengals have a rough road ahead. Infact the month of October is shaping up to be a Halloween nightmare of sorts.

Cincy faces Dallas this week, then they travel to New England – just in time for Tom Brady’s second game back and his first at Gillette Stadium this year. Follow that with in state rival Cleveland who has played much better than their record indicates, and the Redskins on October 30th, and it is fair to say that this month may determine the fate of the Bengals season.

Cincinnati will be getting a few injured players back this week, including Tyler Eifert.

Odds: Dal (+1)

According to Dallas Cowboys.com, tight end Tyler Eifert, who has been out the last four games with an ankle injury, is expected to return this Sunday. The Bengals are hoping Eifert’s return to field will bolster their red-zone performance – which currently ranks  31st in the NFL.

One thing Cincy has under QB Andy Dalton is a great record vs. the NFC. Dalton has gaudy 14-4-1 vs. NFC teams.

Next: NFL Week 5 odds

Las Vegas odds makers have the Bengals listed as a 1 point favorite, with the over/under number set at 45.

Dalton may have a great record vs. the NFC, but this week will be a different story. Look for Dallas to pound the ball early and often and in the end come out with the win.

Pick: Cowboys 20, Bengals 17