Which Cowboys players do you think have a chance to have great games against Cincinnati?
The Dallas Cowboys host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night, and the key factor in the game might be Cincinnati’s defense. It’s given up at least 34 points in their three straight losses coming into Week 14. If that pattern holds, some Dallas players will enjoy a big night on primetime television. Who will most likely benefit, and who else may see low production in this matchup?
BUY
TE Jake Ferguson
Missing the last two games and most of another with a concussion, the starter is set to return and could do it in style. For one, the Bengals have consistently allowed opposing tight ends to have strong games. Pittsburgh’s Pat Freiermuth had season highs with six catches and 68 yards, plus a touchdown, last week. Baltimore’s Mark Andrews posted the exact same stats a few weeks ago, and the Chargers’ Will Dissly posted 80 yards and a touchdown on four catches.
Not only should the opportunities be there, but Dallas’ recent play under Cooper Rush has favored the TE position. We’ve seen more out of Luke Schoonmaker than ever before and even some solid work out of undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford. While Rush may be familiar with his fellow backups, there’s little reason to think he won’t lean on an even more QB-friendly target in Ferguson.
QB Cooper Rush
If Ferguson doesn’t have a big night, it probably means CeeDee Lamb or someone else did. No matter who gets hot among the receivers, Cooper Rush will be the one racking up passing yards. Having already put up some significant numbers in recent weeks, Rush stands to have another high-volume night against the Bengals.
No, Rush is not Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, or Russell Wilson. But these upper-tier QBs have put up huge numbers against Cincinnati, with Wilson just hanging 414 passing yards on them a week ago. With Ferguson and Lamb expected to play, Rush will have sufficient firepower to keep the ball moving against this opponent. And assuming the Bengals are similarly effective with their own offense, a shootout is very possible.
EDGE Micah Parsons
Joe Burrow’s been sacked 3-4 times in each of the Bengals’ last three games, so it feels like ripe territory for Dallas’ resident sack artist. Parsons has returned from injury with a vengeance, getting 5.5 sacks over the last four games. These two trends speak to a clear and present danger for Burrow, and a key ingredient to the Cowboys’ potential success.
SELL
Cowboys secondary
You won’t hear this often about a 4-8 team but the Bengals have one of the NFL’s elite offenses, especially in recent weeks. They can hit you in multiple ways and Joe Burrow is on fire right now, posting at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in the three recent losses. Dallas’ secondary has been susceptible to big plays from far lesser quarterbacks and receiving options, so expect some pain on Monday night.
Chuma Edoga & Terence Steele
The Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson has 11.5 sacks this year and will be a problem for Dallas’ offensive tackles. Steele has struggled all season and now Edoga, who only just returned from injury last week, likely gets his first start of 2024. At the very least, it probably wouldn’t make a big difference if Tyler Guyton was out there. But that won’t offer much consolation if Cooper Rush spends the game on his back.
