The Cowboys are still looking for their second win of 2025, and they have a good opportunity to get it against the 0-4 Jets. Which Dallas players stand to benefit from this week’s matchup, and who might struggle in New York?
BUY
RB Jaydon Blue
The rookie finally makes his NFL debut and has a clear path to touches. Dallas will likely run the ball often, given their offensive line injuries. While Javonte Williams will see most of that work, Blue is expected to step into Miles Sanders’ backup role. He may get additional looks as a receiver and on gadget plays thanks to KaVontae Turpin’s injury. Turpin’s absence also makes Blue a prime candidate for return duties.
Whether it’s Williams, Blue, or both, the Cowboys’ rushing attack is poised for a good day. While the o-line injuries are concerning, the backups are better run blockers than pass protectors. Even the one healthy starter, Terence Steele, is notoriously better in the run game. As long as Dallas doesn’t fall behind early, they’ll likely lean into this to mitigate the absences and try to keep as much pressure off Dak Prescott as possible.
The one concern with Blue is that whatever kept him off the field in September rears its ugly head now. While he did have a minor ankle sprain after the preseason finale, Blue’s delayed debut was confirmed by Brian Schottenheimer to be for performance inconsistency in practice. While the Sanders injury does force the issue somewhat, Blue was getting praised for improving before this week. Hopefully, we will see the good version on Sunday.
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Another rookie we expect to start October off right, Ezeiruaku has a great chance to get his first sack this week. The Jets have given up 10 in the last three games, so they’re vulnerable even with their mobile quarterback. We’ve seen our young pass rusher get close several times in his first four games, and now you have James Houston starting to earn more attention from opponents.
WR Jalen Tolbert
Coming off season highs against Green Bay with six catches for 61 yards, Tolbert could do even better this week. As we’re about to discuss in the “Sell” section, the Jets are likely to focus on taking away George Pickens. But Tolbert and Prescott have proven chemistry of their own, and we saw last week how Dak isn’t afraid to go to him in a desperate moment. While some other guys could end up with the touchdowns or big plays, we expect a high-volume day for Tolbert in terms of targets and receptions.
SELL
WR George Pickens
As we just alluded to, Pickens will face tough sledding as Dallas’ clear primary receiving threat. New York may not be able to slow him down too much, having been vulnerable to most teams’ number-one receivers in earlier games. But with Turpin also missing, the Jets would be smart to try shutting Pickens down and forcing Prescott to make plays with Tolbert, Jake Ferguson, and other less-explosive targets.
Still, coming off 134 yards and two touchdowns, Pickens and Prescott’s connection is getting hotter by the week. The offensive line injuries may limit much downfield throwing, but they could still eat on the short and intermediate routes. It depends on just how many resources the Jets commit to stopping them.
LBs Jack Sanborn & Kenneth Murray
We’ve seen mobile QBs make even some of our best defensive players look bad, and Murray and Sanborn have already had their issues this year. Murray’s already nursing a knee issue this week, and trying to change direction on play-action and RPOs with Justin Field and Breece Hall won’t be easy. It’s no bold prediction given how they’ve been performing already in 2025, but this matchup could make matters even worse for Dallas’ beleaguered linebackers.
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