4 Bold Predictions for the Dallas Cowboys' Week 13 Matchup

The Dallas Cowboys come off their win over the New York Giants with a short week in preparation for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys and Eagles are tied atop the NFC East with identical records of 8-3, and this game will go a long way in deciding who will win the division. 

This game will be on the national stage on Thanksgiving Day and will also be the most important game that either team has played thus far this season. 

While it would appear that the Cowboys should have the advantage because they are the home team, they have had a lot of struggles this year in Dallas. The Cowboys are 3-3 at home but are 5-0 on the road. The Cowboys need to play better when teams come onto their turf. 

This game should be an interesting one as the two division rivals clash in a game with huge consequences. 

Let's look at some of my bold predictions for the contest. 

DeMarcus Lawrence Will Get the First Sack of His Career

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DeMarcus Lawrence has played in four games since he returned from a foot injury sustained in training camp, and he hasn't exactly filled up the stat sheet in his return. He has only been credited with six tackles in those four games. 

This is not to say Lawrence has been bad because he certainly hasn't; he has done a great job of setting the edge against the run. However, he was brought in to get pressure on the quarterback but has yet to do that on a consistent basis. That isn't a knock because he is still a rookie and coming off a significant foot injury.

This appears as good a time as any for Lawrence to finally get that sack. Lawrence has lined up at the left and right defensive end positions in his first four appearances. This week, his best matchup should be when he is on the right side. 

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has struggled as of late, so it seems like a good time for Lawrence to break out. Johnson is an extremely athletic tackle, so he can keep up with speed-rushers; however, he struggles with defensive ends who can beat his hands and get their hands inside his as they attack and disengage. 

In college, that is where Lawrence thrived; therefore, he should be able to do it again in the pros. 

Tony Romo Will Throw for 300 Yards and Three Touchdowns

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Tony Romo is coming off one of his best performances of the season against the porous New York Giants pass defense. It is likely that Romo will continue his success, as he will go against an even worse pass defense in the Eagles. 

The Eagles have two weaknesses in their secondary against the pass in Bradley Fletcher and Nate Allen. Expect the Cowboys to attack both of them every opportunity they get. 

It is likely that the Eagles will do all they can to take Dez Bryant out of the game, so Romo will likely have to rely on his secondary targets in Jason Witten, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley. 

As long as Romo gets time in the pocket, he should be able to dissect the Eagles' pass defense with ease as he goes for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns against the porous Eagles secondary. 

The Cowboys' Offensive Line Will Not Allow a Sack

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Thus far this season, the Philadelphia Eagles have had one of the top pass rushes in the NFL. They are currently second in the NFL with 38 team sacks, which equates to 3.45 sacks per game. 

The Cowboys' offensive line has been one of the best in not allowing opposing teams to get sacks as they have allowed the second-fewest sacks with seven, per Pro Football Focus (Subscription required).

The Eagles have a number of players who can generate an immense amount of pressure on the quarterback. The Cowboys' offensive linemen will have to be on top of their game if they hope to keep Tony Romo's jersey clean throughout the game. 

Fletcher Cox, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry are all players who could be the lead pass rushers on other teams. All five Dallas offensive linemen will have to be in sync as they deal with the variety of looks the Eagles give opposing offenses.

Overall, the Cowboys' offensive line has been dominant as of late, and there's no reason to believe it will stop against the Eagles. 

Mark Sanchez Will Throw Two Interceptions

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In just four games, Mark Sanchez has already thrown six interceptions as he has really struggled to be an efficient passer for the Eagles offense. The Eagles offense has had to rely mostly on its running game to generate movement and points since Sanchez has taken over. 

Sanchez will have three or four bad decisions and throws a game, and it is up to the Cowboys to take advantage of those opportunities. The Cowboys defense doesn't have the type of personnel that can stop good offenses for a full 60 minutes; therefore it is paramount that the defense takes advantage of the chances it has to take the ball away. 

As long as the Cowboys play their assignments correctly and with adequate technique, they should be in prime position to make some big plays that can sway the game in their favor. 

If the Cowboys can generate some pressure, then they will have even more opportunities to create turnovers. For the Cowboys to beat the Eagles, they will have to win the turnover battle.