5 bold predictions for Cowboys against Chiefs

2. Ezekiel Elliott will rush for under 50 yards

In a perfect world, head coach Mike McCarthy would like to grind the Chiefs’ defense into submission on the ground in this game. After all, keeping the ball away from Mahomes is a prudent strategy for any Kansas City opponent.

Unfortunately for Dallas, this game is going to evolve into a shootout. The Cowboys will try to get Elliott going early but they’ll be forced to largely abandon the run if it doesn’t dominate this matchup early. A few modest gains from Elliott in the first quarter won’t be enough to earn him a massive workload later in the matchup.

As a result, Elliott will endure a frustrating game where his rushing total doesn’t even crack the 50-yard mark. He will still have a meaningful role to play given his pass-catching acumen, but he’s not going to justify his massive salary on the ground in this game.

The good news for the Cowboys is that the Chiefs defense will continue to regard Elliott as a threat for the entire game. His ability to force Kansas City’s safeties to stay near the line of scrimmage will pay dividends for Prescott and his receivers.