Dallas has responded well following their back to back home losses to the Rams and Green Bay with three straight wins, the last two against Washington and Kansas City.  Atlanta started 3-0 but has lost 4 of 5 since.  The Falcons have had trouble holding leads and closing out games on multiple occasions, blowing a 17-0 home lead against Miami and a 10-0 lead last week at Carolina.  The offense has yet to find a rhythm and consistency and former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is clearly missed.  Dallas is 5-3 and still has two games with Division rival Philadelphia so a Division title and the top NFC seed is still attainable.  The defense struggled at times but the Cowboys have held 5 of 8 foes to under 20 points, including the last three.  They are playing confident football.  Atlanta is not.  And this is the first time this season the Cowboys are underdogs. Much has been made of Atlanta having the NFL's best net yards per play differential (plus 1.1).  But Atlanta has had that distinction for much of the season and has little to show for it -- unable to play at a peak level for 60 minutes and/or to close out games.  I liked this game even when it was not certain that Dallas RB Ezekiel Elliot would be suspended, considering thought the possibility that he would.  Dallas has a strong offensive line and great balance while Atlanta cannot be counted upon to maintain a comfortable lead against any foe as they have shown several times this season (versus Buffalo, Miami and last week against Carolina).

11/12/2017 12:38 AM