5 Bold Predictions for the Dallas Cowboys' Week 17 Matchup

For the first time since 2009, the Dallas Cowboys are playoff-bound after their 42-7 romping over the Indianapolis Colts. The Cowboys now look forward to a game against their division rival, the Washington Redskins. 

This game against the Redskins holds little significance in terms of the Cowboys' ability to improve their seeding. This leaves the Cowboys' coaching staff in an interesting conundrum. Do they put all hands on deck and play all their stars in an attempt to beat the Redskins, or do they rest players such as Tony Romo and Rolando McClain in hopes for them to be as healthy as possible for the wild-card game?

The Cowboys' biggest worry should be getting into the playoffs as healthy as possible, so that they have the best opportunity to win the game. 

For some reason or another, the Redskins always play the Cowboys extremely tough; therefore, it is going to be a rough game regardless of who plays. The players who do play will have to bring their A-game if they hope to take out their division rival. 

Now, let's take a look at some of the bold predictions for the Cowboys' Week 17 matchup.

Joseph Randle Goes for 100 Yards

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There is little motivation for the Cowboys to play DeMarco Murray after he gets the 29 yards he needs to break the Cowboys' single-season rushing record. Murray will likely break the team record at the end of the first quarter or sometime in the second, which means Joseph Randle should get the majority of the carrier throughout the game. 

Randle has proven to be a very capable backup as he has made just jaw-dropping runs in spot duty behind Murray. He shows good vision and the ability to cut on a dime, which have allowed him to make some plays that even Murray couldn't sniff. 

However, Randle isn't as tough a runner as Murray, and he struggles to consistently get the hard yards throughout games. 

The Redskins have the 10th-best rushing defense, so it will not be easy, but Randle's big-play ability and the fact that he is running behind the dominant Cowboys offensive line should be enough for him to hit the century mark.

Jermey Parnell Holds Ryan Kerrigan Sackless

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Ryan Kerrigan is one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, and Jermey Parnell will likely have the tall task of blocking him. 

Parnell will likely fill in for Doug Free, who is battling a foot injury, for the second consecutive game. While Parnell has only seen limited action this season, he has yet to give up a sack in the four games he has started, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). 

Parnell is a mountain of a man who is light on his feet with extremely long arms, which makes it difficult for defenders to get around him. Parnell's struggles mostly come in the run game as he struggles with his pad level and leg drive at the point of attack. 

If Parnell plays like he has all season, he should be able to do surprisingly well against the Redskins' dynamic pass-rusher and hold him without a sack.

Orlando Scandrick Holds DeSean Jackson Under 50 Yards Receiving

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Orlando Scandrick may be the premier slot cornerback in the NFL, and he will be tested Sunday when he lines up against one of the most dynamic slot receivers in DeSean Jackson. 

Scandrick is one of the few cornerbacks who matches up well with Jackson as he has the speed, quickness and hip fluidity to stay with Jackson throughout his routes. The thing that is scary about Jackson is that if a cornerback makes even the slightest mistake, he will take full advantage. 

Luckily for Dallas, Scandrick rarely makes the type of mistakes that Jackson can capitalize on. Scandrick has only allowed more than 50 yards receiving twice this season, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). 

With the Cowboys playing more man coverage as of late, it is likely that Scandrick will line up opposite Jackson for most of the day. If that is the case, look for Scandrick to hold Washington's big-play threat in check.

DeMarcus Lawrence Gets His 1st Sack

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DeMarcus Lawrence has largely been ineffective as a pass-rusher thus far this year since he returned from a training-camp foot injury. He doesn't appear to have the explosion that he had on college tape, and that has limited his ability to generate pressure. 

However, against the Colts, Lawrence looked as good as he had all season. He generated three pressures on the day, which is the most he has had in one game this season, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). 

This, coupled with the fact that Trent Williams has injury issues that may keep him from playing in the season finale, per The Washington Post's Mike Jones, may be the perfect recipe for Lawrence to get his first sack in the NFL under his belt. 

The Cowboys have high hopes for Lawrence's future, and this may be the game where they see a glimpse of the big-time talent they believe him to be.

Dustin Vaughan Gets Some Playing Time

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There is not much the Cowboys can gain by playing Tony Romo against the Redskins. The last two games against Washington, Romo left with a significant injury, and it would be foolish for the Cowboys to put Romo in a situation where he can get injured in a game that doesn't matter much. 

This means that Brandon Weeden will likely play, but Dustin Vaughan could see some time as well. Vaughan has yet to see a snap this regular season, but this is the best time for the Cowboys to give him some of that valuable experience. 

Vaughan has a huge arm to go with some surprising athleticism that makes him an interesting player for the Cowboys to develop. The Cowboys would be wise to get Vaughan in for at least a half of playing time in a game that has little to no consequences.