The Dallas Cowboys (5-2) return to action this Sunday and welcome the Chicago Bears (3-4) into AT&T Stadium in week eight. This is the last game for the Cowboys before they head into a week nine bye.
Although the Boys were able to grind out a gritty win last week over the Detroit Lions, there are things the team needs to improve on. From stalls in the offense time-to-time to failing to stop the run, this game will be significant– as they can head into their bye week with confidence if we see them fix those issues.
The one significant change the Cowboys will have to adjust to heading into this game and beyond is life without starting cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who suffered a lisfranc injury in last week’s game.
Cornerback DaRon Bland should see significant snaps in Lewis’ spot, but if he were to struggle — don’t be surprised if you see Anthony Brown or Kelvin Joseph get shifted to his role.
But for those who haven’t kept up with the Cowboys’ latest moves, two interesting transactions happened earlier this week. The team signed former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kendall Sheffield, and they traded for DT Johnathan Hankins.
Both should provide depth and help to the defense, but it’s unknown if they will see snaps against the Bears. Nonetheless, it could be the debut for both guys, so be ready.
On the Bears’ side, they are coming into Jerry World off a win over the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. While they will have one less day of rest than the Cowboys, expect them to have confidence and be ready for battle.
The Bears are led by young QB Justin Fields. While he hasn’t had the same level of success as other young quarterbacks in the league, there is no doubt that the guy is talented, and once the franchise gives him more weapons — the sky is the limit for him.
Even HC Mike McCarthy knows Fields is a dangerous guy on the field.
Expect to see Fields use his legs when needed, and this game will test the Cowboys’ defense as we will see if they have adjusted to defending running QBs, and the RPO. Here is a funny video of what you can expect from the Bears’ offense Sunday afternoon:
(All jokes. Well, sort of.)
Game Info
Date: Sunday, Oct.30 | Time: 12 p.m.
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
TV: FOX | Stream: NFL+ & FuboTV
Commentators: Adam Amin, Daryl Johnston, sideline reporter Pam Oliver
Radio: 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), 107.5 La Grande in Spanish (KMVK-FM)
Odds
Caesars Sportsbook: Line: DAL -9.5 | O/U: 42.0
ESPN Pick Center: CHI: +9.5; CHI ML: +345 | DAL: -9.5; DAL ML: -455
ESPN Matchup Predictor: DAL: 85.1% chance to win| CHI: 14.8% chance to win| Tie: 0.1%
Fantasy Plays
Cowboys: QB Dak Prescott (shaky start), RB Ezekiel Elliott (Sit, could miss), RB Tony Pollard (Start), WR CeeDee Lamb (Start), TE Dalton Schultz (Sit, could miss)
Bears: QB Justin Fields (boom-or-bust start–will get points if he rushes), RB David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert (Start), and WR Darnell Mooney (shaky start)
