Colts vs. Cowboys: What Are Experts Saying About Dallas?

Christmas came early for the Dallas Cowboys. The Washington Redskins took down the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday in what was basically a must-win scenario for Chip Kelly’s team.

Now, if Dallas can beat the Indianapolis Colts, the 10-4 Cowboys would secure their first division title in five years.

The Colts enter Sunday’s matchup with an identical record but have already wrapped up the AFC South.

Let’s take a look at what the experts are saying leading up to this crucial Week 16 showdown.

Todd Archer: Free’s Condition Is a Concern

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The biggest strength of the Cowboys has been the offensive line. The unit has been consistent and is one of the main reasons Dallas is on the cusp of a playoff berth.

ESPNDallas.com’s Todd Archer discussed how right tackle Doug Free may not play Sunday: "Free’s condition is a concern. His ankle has been troubling him for a while and he finally couldn’t go in the second half last week. He missed three games earlier this season with a broken foot. If Free can’t go, Jermey Parnell will start at right tackle."

Parnell is a capable backup option, but he’s behind Free for a reason. If Free won’t be able to go, Parnell will need to step up in his absence like he did a week ago.

The starting right tackle would be wise to be cautious about his injury. The Cowboys obviously need to win now; however, they must have their line intact in order to make a run in the postseason.

Ed Werder: Murray Undecided on Status

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DeMarco Murray is one of the most important players on Dallas. He leads the NFL in rushing with 1,687 rushing yards through Week 15. ESPN’s Ed Werder explains how the Pro Bowler hasn’t decided if he will suit up Sunday:

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Cowboys star running back DeMarco Murray will probably wait until Sunday morning to make a final decision on his playing status for Dallas' home game against the Colts.

[…]

Murray is officially listed as questionable on the injury report, and all involved agree that he will make the ultimate decision about whether to play a week after suffering a fracture in his left hand against the Eagles and undergoing surgery the following day.

"

Although this will be a difficult decision for Murray, the Cowboys should be in decent shape whether he plays or not. Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar are both quality backs who have done well in their limited roles.

Indianapolis surrenders more than 110 yards per game on the ground. Whoever is carrying the football for Dallas should have some success. Despite the broken hand, it seems as if Murray will play. If Dallas can wrap up the division Sunday, he will have time to rest in the near future.

Jean-Jacques Taylor: Time for Cowboys to End Home Woes

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The Cowboys are in a great position with two weeks remaining in the regular season. This is due in large part because of the team’s success on the road this year. Dallas is 7-0 on the road but only 3-4 at home. ESPNDallas.com’s Jean-Jacques Taylor describes Dallas’ struggles at home:

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Poor Jerry Jones spent $1.2 billion to build the snazziest football stadium in the world, but his team can't seem to figure out how to consistently win at AT&T Stadium.

[…]

When the Dallas Cowboys have played good football at home this season, they've won. When they've played something less, they've lost. That said, it would be a shame to have this unexpected feel-good season end without a trip to the playoffs because the Cowboys failed to win a home game yet again.

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In the NFL, playing at home should be an advantage. For the Cowboys, it simply hasn’t been for a few years.

The positive news is that the coaches and players feel that it’s strictly a coincidence as to why they lose more often in Arlington. According to Taylor, defensive end Jeremy Mincey said, “We lost all those games at home, but we know why we lost them. There's no mystery: We just need to play better.”

A win this week would quickly change this conversation.

David Helman: Cowboys Can Handle Business This Weekend

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Many people around the team are optimistic about this team’s chances of remaining successful. One of those is DallasCowboys.com’s David Helman, who wrote:

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Maybe I finally believe this team is different from the ones that came before it, because I actually feel confident that the Cowboys can handle business this weekend.

[…]

If the Cowboys can find two more wins – or potentially even just one – they’ll have reached the playoffs. That in itself is some strong motivation, especially since the Colts are already in the tournament, and they’ve got injury problems of their own.

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Dallas has squandered opportunities to make the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. That may make some people worry about the final two games on the schedule, but there is a different mentality around this year’s squad.

The Cowboys know what’s expected of them, and the game against the Colts will prove a lot. Even though the Eagles have given Dallas some room for error, nothing but a victory on Sunday will be acceptable.

Nick Eatman: The Dallas Defense Will Do Just Enough

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

The stakes are raised every week as the end of the regular season nears. This may be slightly repetitive, but Sunday’s game against the Colts is by far the most important game of 2014. DallasCowboys.com’s Nick Eatman thinks Dallas will prevail and punch its playoff ticket:

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I think the Cowboys will treat this upcoming game as if their backs are against the wall, or to seize the moment and go win the division. Either way, this team is playing well right now and I don’t think being at home or away will matter.

[…]

The Dallas defense will do just enough at the end and hold off Luck in the fourth quarter. I see a 28-24 win for the Cowboys.

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Betting against Andrew Luck and this year’s Colts is not something a lot of people do. They’re a dangerous team with one of the league’s best quarterbacks leading the charge.

However, the Dallas Cowboys are on a mission. They haven’t won the NFC East since 2009, and their win last week showed how this team is more mature and skilled than those in the past.

Dallas wins 34-28.