Cowboys vs Seahawks: Three audacious predictions for the game on Thursday

The Dallas Cowboys (8-3) take on the Seattle Seahawks (6-5), their first game back in action on Thursday night. This game could be considered practically a must-win for both teams because it will have a significant impact on the NFC wild card standings.

Here are three audacious matchup predictions for the two teams before they play.

1) Cowboys rush for over 150 yards for the third time this season

The Seattle Seahawks are unable to halt the run when playing strong teams. Seattle has played four teams this season that are currently in the postseason: the 49ers, Ravens, Browns, and Lions. The playoff-contending teams are averaging an incredible 181 rushing yards per game in those matchups.

Over the course of their last five games, Seattle’s defense has truly struggled to stop the run, as evidenced by their sixth-worst Rush EPA (-0.044) in the league. They have the third-worst Rush SR (46.5%) and the worst Rush EPA (0.072) in the NFL since Week 8.

Quietly, the Cowboys have gotten their run game going a bit over the past three games. Dallas has the league’s fourth-best Rush EPA (0.076) since Week 10 and running back Tony Pollard is averaging 4.8 Y/A over his last 40 rush attempts. The Cowboys are able to build upon their recent success in the run game against the Seahawks and rush for over 150 yards as a team for the third time this season.

2) DaRon Bland records his sixth pick-six of the season

This season, DaRon Bland is performing at a higher level. The second-year cornerback broke the NFL record on Thanksgiving with his fifth pick-six of the season. He has intercepted the ball in three straight games.

This week, Geno Smith, a quarterback who occasionally throws one, will face Bland and the Cowboys defense. Per playerprofiler, Smith has accumulated eight interceptions, fourteen interceptable passes, and seventeen danger plays this season.

When quarterbacks give him chances, Bland makes them pay. He’ll do just that on Thursday and record his sixth pick-six of the season, building on his NFL record.

3) Cowboys put up 40 points for the fifth time this year

The Cowboys are going to be able to move the ball against the Seahawks’ defense rather easily. Seattle gave up 31 to the 49ers last week and they’ll struggle even more against Dallas on Thursday. Teams don’t fare well after facing the 49ers and Seattle will be a victim of that. The Seahawks are unable to slow down Dak Prescott and Dallas’ offense and the Cowboys have another huge day. Dallas puts up 40 points in a game for the fifth time this season in a blowout victory.