5 bold predictions for Cowboys against Broncos

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys talks with Dak Prescott #4 against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 31: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a first down during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Ezekiel Elliott will get 25+ carries

Last week, the Vikings’ defense did a terrific job holding Elliott down. He only managed to claw out 50 yards on 16 carries against Minnesota’s physical front-seven. That will give the star running back big-time motivation to bounce back this week.

Back Elliott to turn that motivation into strong production. He’s going to get a lot of work against Denver’s defense in an effort to take pressure off whoever starts at quarterback for Dallas. He may not get 100 yards on the day, but he’ll wear the Broncos out with 25+ carries into the middle of the line.

The key for Dallas’ offense will be to stick with Elliott even when he’s not super efficient early in the game. They can’t afford to heal too much pressure onto their quarterback against a Fangio defense.

The end result will be Elliott battering Denver’s defense to set up big plays for the Cowboys’ offense via the play-action pass. He may not enjoy being a decoy, but he’ll be an integral part of Dallas’ success this week even if he doesn’t average 4+ yards per carry.

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