Atlanta Falcons (4-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
Here’s another potential playoff matchup on Sunday and one that certainly could have tiebreaker implications down the road when Atlanta visits Dallas.
The Cowboys are 4.5-point favorites on WagerWeb.com.
Dallas should have its full complement of running backs for the first time in a few weeks. Felix Jones practiced at full strength and without the brace he had been wearing since spraining his knee four weeks ago versus Carolina. Jones will join a healthy Marion Barber and Tashard Choice in a Cowboys backfield that is healthy for the first time since Week 3, thanks in part to the bye week. Choice, by the way, has earned more carries, according to owner Jerry Jones. So it will be interesting to see how the Cowboys split up the work. That’s one of those good problems to have.
In addition, the Cowboys have officially moved WR Miles Austin into a starting role ahead of Patrick Crayton. Austin had four catches of 34-plus yards against Kansas City two weeks ago, including scores on 59- and 60-yard receptions as a replacement for Roy Williams. But Williams should play today, moving Crayton to No. 3.
Atlanta star WR Roddy White has picked it up in the last two weeks. He has 266 receiving yards and three touchdowns over that span, and he could have a big day against Dallas’ 26th-ranked pass defense. Thus so could QB Matt Ryan, and the Falcons are 8-0 when Ryan has a 100-plus passer rating. The Falcons have scored touchdowns on 64.7 percent (11-for-17) of their red-zone drives in 2009 — tied for third-best in the league.
Atlanta’s pass protection is exceptional. The Falcons have allowed only two sacks this season, none in the past 17 quarters. Let’s see what how the Falcons handle Dallas star DeMarcus Ware.
Dallas is 15-5 coming off bye weeks, 6-1 at home. The Cowboys have won out of bye week in last four seasons. They also are 2-0 this season against NFC South teams (Tampa Bay and Carolina), improving to 48-22 against that division – their best record against any division.
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