Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) will face off against the Dallas Cowboys (5-7) this coming Monday at 8:15 p.m. EST, broadcasted on ESPN. The current odds from BetMGM favor the Bengals by 5.5 points. In terms of their performance against the spread, Cincinnati sits at 6-6, while Dallas stands at 4-8. Historically, the Cowboys have outperformed the Bengals in their series, leading 10-4. The last time these teams met, Dallas secured a close victory, defeating Cincinnati 20-17 on September 18, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Last week, the Bengals were involved in a high-scoring affair but ultimately lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 44-38, while the Cowboys managed to defeat the New York Giants with a score of 27-20.
Analyzing team performance, Cincinnati’s offense ranks ninth overall, primarily due to their explosive passing game, which holds the top position in the league. However, their rushing offense struggles at 27th. On the defensive side, Cincinnati also has challenges, ranking 27th overall, while their run defense stands at 22nd and pass defense at 27th, making them 31st in scoring defense.
The Cowboys have a more balanced offense, rated 20th overall, struggling particularly in rushing where they rank 31st, but they shine in passing, coming in 7th. Their defense, however, is faltering as well with an overall ranking of 26th, a dismal 31st against the run, and a respectable 13th against the pass, though they are 29th in scoring defense. In terms of turnover differential, the Bengals are at minus-1 and the Cowboys at minus-7, indicating both teams have room for improvement in taking care of the football.
A key player for the Bengals is quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been exceptional this season. He is among the few quarterbacks in NFL history who have thrown at least 30 touchdown passes with no more than five interceptions through 12 games. Despite his impressive stats, including leading the league in passing yards (3,337), completions (302), and touchdown passes (30), the team’s record is a troubling 4-8.
For the Cowboys, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is someone to keep an eye on. He has recently made a significant impact on the field, evidenced by his 23-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Giants. Having missed his rookie season due to injury, Overshown is now showcasing his talent and forming a potential strong defensive partnership with Micah Parsons.
One of the crucial matchups will feature Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase against the Dallas secondary. A notable question hanging over this game is whether All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs will participate, as he has missed two games recently due to injury. The last encounter saw Chase manage only 54 yards while the Bengals limited their total offense to 254 yards. If Diggs is sidelined, the pressure will shift to DaRon Bland, who is returning from injury but still offers a solid alternative.
Injuries could prove to be a factor for both teams. The Bengals recently placed kicker Evan McPherson on injured reserve and signed Cade York to fill in. Additionally, linebacker Logan Wilson did not play last week due to a knee issue. For the Cowboys, right guard Zack Martin has opted for surgery to resolve an ankle injury, ending his season. Moreover, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence remains out with a foot injury, which has prevented him from playing since Week 4. Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton is also likely to miss the game due to shoulder and ankle injuries.
Historically, the Cowboys have dominated the Bengals, winning their last five matchups and securing a 7-1 record at home against them. Since the Bengals’ last victory in 2004, they have struggled to regain an upper hand. As Cincinnati tries to halt a worrying trend of a three-game losing streak, they aim for their first win against a team with a winning record.
Statistically, the Bengals’ struggles are highlighted by the fact that seven of their losses have been by a mere touchdown or less, showcasing their competitiveness in games. Though trailing in recent weeks, the Bengals excel in critical situations, ranking second in touchdown efficiency within the red zone, while the Cowboys lag behind.
This matchup will also mark the second Monday night game of the season for both teams. Cincinnati previously lost to Washington, and Dallas fell to Houston. As for Burrow, he is currently on a streak of three games with over 300 passing yards and at least three touchdowns, although he has lost all three games—a stark contrast to the success of other quarterbacks in similar situations.
On the fantasy front, Bengals running back Chase Brown is steadily gaining attention following consistent performances, including a season-high 100 yards against the Steelers. With the Cowboys’ struggles against the run, Brown could be in for another productive game.
