The Cowboys coming off one of the more heartbreaking losses of the season, which is saying something considering there have already been eight. But last Monday's loss to the Bengals not only ending in disappointing fashion, but likely closed the door on any realistic chances to make the playoffs this year.
Now, the Cowboys head to Carolina knowing they must win out just to secure a winning record this year.
The Panthers have lost three straight and are just 3-10 this year but the last three games have all been close, including some narrow losses to the Chiefs and Eagles.
Let's find out what the staff writers have to say about the Cowobys' chances of winning up in Carolina this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
Patrik: Which version of the Cowboys' defense will show up in Carolina? That's where I'm stuck on the line in this prediction. They've shown marked improvement in both taking the ball away and in stopping the run over the past month, including against the Bengals (holding them to only 20 points before the blocked punt gaffe). But that gaffe was so emotionally shattering that the defense was still in shock when allowing the go-ahead touchdown that followed.
And, to make matters infinitely worse, the unit lost DeMarvion Overshown for the forseeable future — an absolute force in the heart of the defense. I believe Cooper Rush and Rico Dowdle can lead a solid offensive output against a bad Panthers' defense, but I don't know if the Cowboys' defense has recovered from the events of Monday, enough to travel on a short week and deal with the uber-confident Bryce Young and a Panthers' offense that nearly landed an upset in their last three games against playoff teams. Yes, Monday was that gutting, so we'll see, but it's a tall ask. 21-20, Panthers
Tommy: I'm expecting the Cowboys to come into this game with a bit of extra fire in their bellies given how they lost on Monday night to the Cincinnati Bengals. For the defense, I think this matchup will mean a lot with the heartbreaking loss to DeMarvion Overshown, only motivating that unit more to have a good performance. Chuba Hubbard has been on a tear running the ball this season, but the Dallas defense has steadily improved at defending the run and has shown the ability to take it away.
While Bryce Young has improved tremendously since being benched in Week 2, I'm not sure Carolina's receiving personnel matches up well with Dallas' secondary of Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis all playing together again. Add that to the fact that the Panthers defense leaves a lot to be desired especially in run defense, and I see a much-needed win brewing for the Cowboys on the road. Cowboys 28, Panthers 17
Kyle Youmans: This will be a tough challenge for the Cowboys. Despite their long list of injuries, they are still the better team on paper against the Panthers. But Carolina has been playing much better football as of late, while the Cowboys enter off one of their more frustrating losses in recent memory. Meaning that the challenge will come from more of a mental capacity than an a physical one.
Dallas has done well under Mike McCarthy when dealing with some recent hurdles they've faced in the past, so I believe they'll do it again. Cowboys win on Sunday, 20-13.
Nick Eatman: I definitely feel worse about the Cowboys' chances of beating Carolina than I have at any point in this season. Last year, this game was relatively easy and up until a few weeks ago, I had the same feeling. But the way the Panthers are playing lately, it feels like they're closer to a win. We'll have to see how the Cowboys respond after last week's tough loss to the Bengals.
But if they play the same way on defense, especially the way Micah Parsons was wrecking the game, I don't see Bryce Young holding up. Sure, they have a decent running game, but those receivers are not what the Cowboys faced last week.
I think the offense runs the ball well again and how cool would it be for Jonathan Mingo to have a nice game against his former team? And with the cold air, expect shorter kickoffs. Give me another big-time return from KaVontae Turpin. I think the Cowboys will have a tough game but I think they find a way to win a close one, 20-19.
Mickey Spagnola: Here is something we all need to be aware of. CeeDee Lamb has been playing through a sprained A.C. Joint in his shoulder. Pretty painful for a wide receiver who needs to use his stretched-out arms to catch passes. Yet over the past four games, while seeing CeeDee grimace a few times or three when landing on that shoulder, he still has caught 26 passes for 294 yards over the past four games.
Watch out for CeeDee in this game. If this reshuffled offensive line can give backup QB Cooper Rush the necessary time in the pocket my gut tells me Lamb could have a big day, certainly required if the underdog Cowboys are going to beat the Panthers Sunday afternoon. This guy is a baller for sure.
