Must-Win Clash: Cowboys vs. Falcons | Week 9 Preview

As the NFL season approaches the halfway mark, Week 9 features a crucial matchup between the struggling Dallas Cowboys (3-4) and the soaring Atlanta Falcons (5-3). The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday, November 5, at 1:00 PM ET.

What’s at Stake?
The Cowboys desperately need a win to snap a two-game losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will need to elevate their performances amid several injuries affecting the team's depth. In contrast, the Falcons aim to solidify their playoff position, bolstered by quarterback Kirk Cousins' strong season.

Key Injuries for Dallas
Dallas faces several injury concerns:

Micah Parsons (LB) – Potentially limited effectiveness.
DaRon Bland (CB) – Out, forcing backups to step up.
Trevon Diggs (CB) – Questionable status could impact the secondary.
Zack Martin (OG) – Questionable, affecting the offensive line.
Falcons’ Defensive Injuries
The Falcons will be without DT Ruke Orhorhoro and LB JD Bertrand, and have three players listed as questionable, including RG Chris Lindstrom and LB Troy Andersen, which could create opportunities for the Cowboys.

Key Players to Watch

Kirk Cousins (QB): Effective with a 97.8 passer rating and 14 touchdowns this season.
Dak Prescott (QB): Needs to improve his 10 touchdowns to 8 interceptions ratio.
CeeDee Lamb (WR): Coming off a two-touchdown game and aiming for back-to-back multi-touchdown performances.
Kyle Pitts (TE): Key for Atlanta, with 419 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season.
Keys to Victory

For the Cowboys: Establish a balanced attack with Prescott connecting with Lamb, while the defense limits Cousins and Pitts.
For the Falcons: Exploit Dallas’s injury issues, utilizing Cousins and Pitts to control the game.
Prediction
Despite their injuries, the Cowboys have the talent to compete, but the Falcons have the edge with their home-field advantage and overall health. Expect a competitive game with significant playoff implications. Tune in Sunday for what promises to be an exciting contest!