Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers Preview

The Dallas Cowboys (5-8) are set to meet the Carolina Panthers (3-10) on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, broadcasted on FOX. The Panthers enter the game as 3-point favorites according to BetMGM odds. The Cowboys have struggled against the spread with a record of 4-9, while the Panthers have fared slightly better at 6-7. Historically, the Cowboys have dominated the matchup, leading the series 11-3, and most recently defeating the Panthers 33-10 on November 19, 2023, in Carolina.

Last week, the Cowboys faced a setback against the Bengals, losing 27-20, whereas the Panthers came up short against the Eagles, with a final score of 22-16. Analyzing their overall performance, the Cowboys’ offense ranks 20th in the league, showing weaknesses in rushing (28th) but holding a respectable position in passing at 11th. Their scoring offense is ranked 21st. Conversely, the Cowboys’ defense is struggling, sitting at 25th overall, with a particularly poor showing against the rush (30th) and scoring (31st). The Panthers’ offense is in even worse shape, coming in at 30th overall, 22nd in rushing, and 27th in passing, while also ranking 28th in scoring. On the defensive side, the Panthers are at the bottom of the league, ranking 31st overall and 32nd against the run.

In terms of turnover differential, the Cowboys are sitting at minus-8, while the Panthers are slightly better at minus-5, highlighting struggles on both sides. One of the key players to watch for the Cowboys is linebacker Micah Parsons, who is facing off against the Panthers’ offensive line. Parsons seems to be gaining momentum as the season progresses, accumulating 3.5 sacks in his last three games, making him a significant threat on the field.

For the Panthers, wide receiver Adam Thielen has emerged as a critical component of the offense. Having recently recovered from a hamstring injury, Thielen has showcased his talent with 17 receptions for 201 yards and a touchdown in the last two games. His reliability makes him a go-to target, especially in crucial fourth-down situations.

A notable matchup to keep an eye on is between Cowboys’ running back Rico Dowdle and the Panthers’ struggling run defense. Dowdle has recorded back-to-back 100-yard performances, with 131 yards against Cincinnati last week. As he steps into the lead back role, Dowdle is averaging 81 rushing yards per game and has demonstrated his versatility with a touchdown reception. Facing Carolina, which has the league’s poorest run defense, he has a prime opportunity to further his success. The Panthers have allowed over 170 rushing yards per game, notably conceding significant yardage to running backs from both Philadelphia and Tampa Bay in recent weeks.

Injury reports indicate that the Cowboys will be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown after he underwent surgery on his right knee. Additionally, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is nearing a return but raises questions about whether to expedite his comeback as the postseason seems bleak. Rookie center Cooper Beebe has also suffered a concussion. On the Panthers’ side, they are hopeful that wide receiver Jalen Coker will return after missing three games. Cornerback Jaycee Horn, still battling a groin injury, may experience challenges covering talented receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Looking at series history, the Cowboys have recorded a strong record against the Panthers, going 7-2 since their wild-card game defeat back in 2003, during Bill Parcells’ coaching tenure. Statistically, the Cowboys have found success on the road this year, with a 4-2 record, including wins against playoff contenders. Quarterback Cooper Rush has been filling in for the injured Dak Prescott, with this game marking his longest stint as the starter. Lastly, running back Chuba Hubbard is expected to take on a heavy workload for the Panthers as they deal with injuries, presenting opportunities for fantasy league players.