The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears are heading into Sunday’s clash with very different narratives.
Dallas has stormed out of the gate behind Dak Prescott and a balanced offense that looks as explosive as any in the NFL, and are off to a 1-1 record.
The offensive line has protected Prescott well, and his receiving corps has been a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
Meanwhile, the Bears have stumbled early, struggling to contain opposing offenses while trying to find consistency on their own side of the ball.
Their defense, once the backbone of the franchise, has been a liability, particularly against the run and in coverage without star CB Jaylon Johnson.
With those storylines setting the stage, it’s time to look at three bold predictions for Sunday’s matchup.
These takes might feel ambitious, maybe even far-fetched, but when you examine the matchups, they’re not out of the question. Let’s dive in.
Javonte Hits 150+
Yes, you read that right. The Cowboys’ backfield hasn’t exactly been the focal point of their offensive success in recent years, but there has been a change in Brian Schottenheimer’s regime.
The Bears defense currently ranks 28th against the run, and they’ve been gashed for big plays on the ground through the first few weeks.
Javonte Williams, on the other hand, has looked increasingly sharp and decisive, shaking off any concerns about his injury history.
His ability to break tackles and wear down defenses makes him the perfect candidate to exploit Chicago’s weakness. If Dallas builds an early lead, Schottenheimer could lean heavily on the run game to control the clock.
In that scenario, 150 rushing yards from Williams isn’t just possible, it feels likely.
Ferguson Eclipses the Century Mark
TE Jake Ferguson has been an underrated piece of the Cowboys’ offense, and moreso now that he missed time last season with injury.
While CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens dominate headlines, Ferguson has been a reliable target for Dak Prescott in critical moments.
This week, however, circumstances may force him into the spotlight.
The Bears are without their top cornerback, Jaylon Johnson, which means their secondary will be scrambling to contain Dallas’ star receivers.
Expect Chicago to roll coverage toward Lamb and Pickens, daring Prescott to find other outlets. That sets up Ferguson perfectly.
His ability to work the seams and take advantage of linebackers in coverage could lead to his first career 100-yard receiving game.
Don’t be surprised if Prescott looks Ferguson’s way often, especially in the red zone and on third downs.
Prescott Throws 5 TDs
This is the boldest prediction of the three, but it’s grounded in precedent. Jared Goff just torched this very same Bears defense for five touchdowns last week.
Dak Prescott, who is already playing at an elite level to start the season, has all the tools and weapons to replicate that kind of performance.
The combination of Lamb, Pickens, Ferguson, and a healthy backfield gives Prescott plenty of options to spread the ball around.
Add in the fact that Chicago’s pass rush hasn’t been able to consistently pressure quarterbacks, and Prescott could have a clean pocket all afternoon.
If the Cowboys offense clicks early, Prescott throwing five touchdowns (for just the second time in his career) suddenly doesn’t seem so unrealistic.
