The Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys meet under the lights at AT&T Stadium on Monday night in a matchup of two teams trying to salvage disappointing seasons. Both teams have struggled defensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed, and will look to their offenses to carry the load. With slim playoff hopes, each side has plenty to play for in this primetime clash.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals come into this game with a 4-8 record, enduring their second three-game losing streak of the season. Quarterback Joe Burrow continues to lead the league in touchdown passes with 30, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase ranks first in receiving yards with 1,142. Despite the offensive firepower, the Bengals have struggled to translate production into wins, as their defense has allowed an average of 28.3 points per game.
Injuries have further complicated matters for Cincinnati. Kicker Evan McPherson and linebacker Logan Wilson were both recently placed on injured reserve, and left tackle Orlando Brown remains sidelined. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and several other key players are also dealing with health issues. The Bengals will need a near-perfect performance from Burrow and Chase to overcome these challenges and keep their fading playoff hopes alive.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys, sitting at 5-7, have shown signs of life with back-to-back wins, including their first home victory of the season against the New York Giants on Thanksgiving. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush has played efficiently in place of Dak Prescott, leading the Cowboys to two turnover-free wins. With a defense that has struggled for much of the season, the Cowboys will lean on players like Micah Parsons, who has recorded 5.5 sacks in the past four games, to pressure Burrow and disrupt Cincinnati’s offense.
Injuries remain a concern for Dallas as well. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is nursing a shoulder injury, and offensive lineman Zack Martin will miss the rest of the season following ankle surgery. However, the potential return of Trevon Diggs could bolster a secondary that has been vulnerable to big plays. The Cowboys will aim to build on their momentum and keep their slim playoff chances alive with another strong showing at home.
Pick and Prediction
This matchup features two offenses capable of putting up points and two defenses prone to giving them up. The Bengals have the advantage in passing firepower with Burrow and Chase, but the Cowboys’ recent form and home-field advantage make them tough to beat. If Dallas can continue to play mistake-free football and generate pressure on Burrow, they could pull off an upset.
Expect a high-scoring affair with the Cowboys edging out a close victory in front of their home crowd.
- Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 30, Cincinnati Bengals 27
