Atlanta Falcons vs Dallas Cowboys Picks and Predictions November 3rd 2024

Falcons vs Cowboys November 3rd 2024

The Falcons are favored at -145 on the money line as they host the Cowboys at 1:00 ET on Sunday, November 3rd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Falcons are -2.5 point favorites, and the over/under line is set at 52 points. This week nine NFC matchup is being televised on FOX.

Dallas vs. Atlanta Key Information

Heading into week 9, the Cowboys are looking to snap a two-game losing streak, which includes a 30-24 road loss to the 49ers in week 8. This dropped Dallas to 3-4 on the season, with all three of their wins coming on the road. They are 0-3 at home, including a 47-9 blowout loss to the Lions in week 6. The Cowboys are currently 3rd in the NFC East and 13th in the conference, with a 1-0 division record and a 1-3 record in conference games.

According to our projections, Dallas has a 12.2% chance of making the playoffs and a 3.2% chance of winning the NFC East. They rank 23rd in our NFL power rankings. The Cowboys have an average scoring margin of -6.9 points per game and are 2-5 against the spread. Their O/U record is 5-2, with the over hitting in each of their last two games.

Heading into week 9, the Cowboys rank 22nd in our offensive power rankings, averaging 21.4 points per game, which is also 22nd in the NFL. They lead the league in passing attempts per game (39.4) and rank 3rd in passing yards, with Dak Prescott throwing for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 8. CeeDee Lamb had a big game, catching 13 passes for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns against the 49ers.

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On the ground, Dallas ranks last in the NFL in rushing yards per game, with 74.1, on 21.7 attempts per game (25th). Ezekiel Elliott led the team with 34 rushing yards on 10 carries in week 8. Dallas is 10th in the league in 3rd-down conversions, with a 40% success rate, and they converted 4 of 12 attempts in their last game.

In their 30-24 loss to the 49ers, the Cowboys’ defense allowed 223 rushing yards on just 36 attempts, resulting in a high 6.2 yards per attempt. Despite this, they did manage to sack the quarterback twice. In the passing game, the Cowboys gave up 246 yards through the air on just 18 completions, with one touchdown. The 49ers were able to convert on 50% of their third downs.

The Cowboys’ defense struggled to stop the run and allowed the 49ers to control the game on the ground. They also struggled to generate consistent pressure, as they lost the quarterback hit and tackles for loss differentials in this one-sided defeat.

With a 5-3 record, the Falcons sit atop the NFC South, including a 4-0 mark in division play. They bounced back from a week 7 loss to the Seahawks with a 31-26 road win over the Buccaneers in week 8. Atlanta was favored by 1.5 points and covered the spread, bringing their ATS record to 4-4 this season.

Our projections give the Falcons a 77.1% chance of making the playoffs and a 70.1% chance of winning the division. They rank 15th in our NFL power rankings. Their O/U record is 4-4, with their games averaging 48.6 points compared to an average line of 45.9.

Heading into week 9, the Falcons sit 10th in our offensive power rankings. They are 12th in the NFL in points per game (24.2) and 7th in yards per game (371.6). Atlanta ranks 6th in passing yards per game (250.9) on 34.1 attempts per game, and they are 15th in rushing yards per game (120.8) on 25.9 attempts per game. They are converting 39.6% of their 3rd downs, which ranks 12th in the league, and they are 14th in red zone conversion percentage.

Kirk Cousins threw for 276 yards and 4 touchdowns in week 8, finishing with a passer rating of 145. Kyle Pitts led the team with 4 catches for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Bijan Robinson had 63 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Falcons scored 31 points against the Buccaneers, with 7 in the 1st quarter, 17 in the 2nd, and 7 in the 3rd.

The Falcons’ defense gave up 330 passing yards to the Buccaneers in their most recent game, but still came out with a 31-26 win. Tampa Bay completed 37 passes on 74% completion percentage and converted on 64.3% of their third down attempts. Despite this, Atlanta’s defense struggled to get off the field, allowing 432 total yards and giving up 102 rushing yards on just 22 attempts.

Even though they didn’t record any sacks, the Falcons did manage to force two interceptions. Atlanta gave up three passing touchdowns in the game, and the Buccaneers had a few big plays, but the Falcons’ defense tightened up when needed.

Our model has the Cowboys coming out on top by a score of 33-26 in their week nine matchup against the Falcons. With the point spread sitting at -2.5 in favor of the Cowboys, our pick vs. the spread is to take the Cowboys to cover as road underdogs.

For this week’s over/under pick, we are leaning towards the over, with a projected combined score of 59 points and the O/U line currently at 52 points.

Cowboys Seek to Rebound Against Resilient Falcons

The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to turn their season around as they prepare to face the surging Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. With both teams on divergent paths, this matchup promises a classic face-off between a struggling Cowboys squad and a Falcons team experiencing a resurgence under new leadership.

Falcons Riding High with Explosive Offense

Atlanta, sitting at 5-3, is off to its best start since the 2017 season, a year that saw the Falcons reach the playoffs. A major part of this success is due to the offensive spark ignited by first-year head coach Raheem Morris and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Averaging 24.3 points per game, the Falcons’ offense has made a significant jump from last year’s 18.9 points, consistently putting up big numbers, including three games with over 30 points.

Cousins has thrived in his first season with Atlanta, ranking third in the NFL in passing yards (2,106) and fifth in passing touchdowns (14). His distribution of the ball has been particularly effective, with five players recording at least 29 receptions. Leading the charge is wide receiver Drake London, who boasts 48 catches so far this season. Morris is enthusiastic about the chemistry within the offense.

“With the amount of playmakers we have, when you talk about Drake, Darnell, Bijan, Tyler, and Kyle, you think someone won’t get enough touches,” Morris noted. “But the ball has been moving around well, and it’s inspiring to see our style of play take shape.”

Cowboys Face Offensive and Defensive Struggles

The Cowboys, at 3-4, have hit a rough patch, dropping two consecutive games. Their recent losses have dropped them 2.5 games behind the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders. A humbling 47-9 defeat to the Detroit Lions and a close 30-24 loss to the 49ers have exposed significant vulnerabilities in Dallas, particularly under the direction of first-year defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Defensively, the Cowboys are giving up the second-most points in the league, allowing 28.3 points per game, while struggling to stop the run, tied for the most rushing yards allowed per game (154.6). Offensively, the problems persist; Dallas ranks last in rushing, averaging only 74.1 yards per game. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s turnover struggles have also been a glaring issue, with three consecutive two-interception games.

Head coach Mike McCarthy addressed the pressing need to correct the team’s turnover woes, stating, “We cannot, and will not, continue to play with giveaways. We’re at minus-eight in turnover margin, and that has to change.” McCarthy emphasized the importance of each offensive drive ending in a “kick,” whether it be a field goal, an extra point, or a punt.

Injury Updates for Both Teams

Both teams face key injury concerns heading into Sunday’s game. Atlanta’s offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom (knee) and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) missed practice Wednesday, while linebackers Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss (both with knee injuries) were limited, along with safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and center Drew Dalman (ankle).

Dallas, meanwhile, continues to deal with injuries to key defensive players. Linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) has been sidelined for three weeks and did not practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Trevon Diggs (calf) also missed practice, but the team was able to activate cornerback DaRon Bland from injured reserve. Bland, who led the NFL in interceptions last season with nine and set a record with five pick-sixes, has not yet played this season due to a stress fracture.

Key Matchup: Cowboys Defense vs. Falcons’ Versatile Offense

The Cowboys will need to bring their A-game to contain Atlanta’s multi-dimensional offense. With Cousins leading a dynamic passing attack and rookie Bijan Robinson showcasing his skills in the backfield, the Falcons have the potential to put up points quickly. Atlanta’s offensive versatility will test Dallas’ defense, particularly if Parsons and Diggs remain sidelined.

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If Dallas is to have a chance, Prescott and the offense must minimize turnovers and find a way to reignite the run game. Achieving balance on offense and tightening up defensively will be critical if they hope to stay competitive in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle.

Can Dallas Find Redemption in Atlanta?

For Dallas, Sunday’s game against the Falcons could be a turning point, an opportunity to rebound from a challenging stretch and potentially keep their playoff hopes alive. Atlanta, meanwhile, will look to maintain its upward trajectory and prove that they can defend their home turf, an area where they’ve been less dominant this season.

As the Falcons aim to secure their best start since their 2016 Super Bowl run, the Cowboys are intent on halting their slide and righting their course. With the season past its halfway mark, this game may very well set the tone for both teams’ futures.