Miami Dolphins vs. Dallas Cowboys: 6 Predictions for Thanksgiving Day Game

The Dallas Cowboys face off against the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving Day with hopes of extending their three-game winning streak. The Dolphins have a mini-streak of their own happening right now as they have won their last three contests.

The difference between the two teams is that even though the Dolphins have won a few games in a row no one expects for them to go far. Dallas, on the other hand, has a different story.

The 'Boys have the opportunity to go 7-4 and take full control of their division contingent upon a New York Giants loss on Sunday.

But before fans count this game as a victory there are a few things that Dallas must do to ensure a victory. Continue to properly utilize DeMarco Murray and play solid defense. Sure it sounds easy but why mess with success?

I believe that the 'Boys will win a tough one against the Dolphins on Thursday and continue their march toward the playoffs.

Here are six predictions for the Dolphins at the Cowboys on turkey day.

Dallas Will Run the Ball 25-Plus Times

The Miami Dolphins don’t slouch when it comes to run defense. They have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher and I expect that streak to continue on Thursday.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Dallas failed to reach 100 yards last game against the ‘Skins, but they ran the ball 32 times. That same formula has to continue on Thursday even if Murray can’t find rhythm.

Fullback Tony Fiammetta may be back, but according to ESPN Dallas he’s still having issues with sickness. If he’s able to return that should tremendously help Murray and the Cowboys but it shouldn’t determine how they choose to attack the Dolphins.

Look for Dallas to pound the ball with Murray with help from Felix Jones and Phillip Tanner.

Tony Romo Will Have Zero Turnovers

Tony Romo has twelve touchdowns and only two interceptions when he plays on Thanksgiving. He usually plays well and does not turn the ball over.

We shouldn't expect anything different from him against the Dolphins. The last time Dallas played the Dolphins in the regular season was 2007. Romo had two touchdowns with 186 passing yards. The 'Boys won 37-20 with running back Marion Barber provided two additional scores.

Both teams are completely different now, but we should expect the same result. Tony Romo has a good but not great day through the air but keeps his streak of zero turnovers going.

DeMarcus Ware Adds 2 More Sacks

Ware is the closest thing I’ve seen to Lawrence Taylor since Lawrence Taylor. He’s much better off the field than Taylor and Taylor was more aggressive to me, but Ware has a nose for the quarterback.

So far he has 14 sacks for the season with four multiple-sack games this year. Ware is a nightmare coming off of the edge and the way that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan uses him he should give Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore fits.

Miami has given up the fifth most sacks in the league with 30. Moore should have plenty of Cowboy turf to feast on.

Laurent Robinson Continues To Play Well

Simple but poignant don't you think? Over the past four games Robinson has five touchdowns and 242 receiving yards. He seems to be money in the red zone and when the Cowboys need a big play.

Robinson and his clutch playmaking skills will come in handy on Thursday as I expect Miami to play Dallas hard.

He has a decent pair of hands and seems to improvise really well when he has to break his route off. I expect for Robinson to play well and provide maybe one or two scores for the 'Boys.

Miami Will Fall to 3-8

I believe that this game will play more along the lines of the Seahawks game than the way Dallas performed against the Redskins. It will be a battle and Dallas will have to fight for every point, but in the end the Cowboys will pull away.

Matt Moore has played well for Miami and I don't think he'll have a meltdown in Dallas, but he just won't make enough plays to win.

Look for Dallas to pound the Dolphins away with the run and finish them off with a great defensive performance.

Dallas Wins 24-13

Dallas has to win this game. The Giants are reeling and the Eagles are just about finished. This is their chance to take control of the NFC East by beating the Dolphins and taking positive momentum into December.

Tony Romo will play well with at least one touchdown, and I expect the Cowboys to cause a turnover. Dan Bailey will extend his streak of consecutive field goals against the Dolphins to take Dallas to 7-4.

-JH