There’s a big NFC showdown taking place in Arlington tomorrow, as the Dallas Cowboyshost the Atlanta Falcons. A lot of people are labeling this game as a must-win for the Cowboys if they want to have a shot at the playoffs this season, and that may be true. With the Giants and Eagles both having winnable games this week, the Cowboys need to try and keep up with a victory of their own.

With that being said, let’s get to this week’s preview.

KEY MATCHUP

Tony Romo vs. Atlanta secondary

The entire season for the Cowboys has pretty much rested on the ability of Romo to throw the football. When he’s on, the Cowboys usually win. When he’s off, the Cowboys usually lose. The Falcons have a solid secondary, and can force turnovers. Romo doesn’t tend to fair well against those type of secondaries. He’ll need to play a good game this week, because the Falcons are also a good team when it comes to scoring off of turnovers. He’ll need some help from his offensive line, and he’ll need to limit his errant throws.

Matt Ryan vs. Dallas secondary

This is really where the game will be won and lost for the Cowboys. They’ll need their secondary to find Roddy White. Hopefully the bye week has gave the secondary some time to work on some things, because they certainly needed it. There’s gotta be something that they can do different, and though they don’t have the greatest talent in the world, they’re a lot better than they’ve been showing this season. At least I think they are.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

I want to see how effective the Cowboy rushing attack is against this Falcons’ defense. The Falcons did a great job shutting down Matt Forte last week, but now they have to deal with three efficient running backs. The Cowboys have had their fair share of injuries at the running back position, so we’ll see who looks to be 100% against the Falcons. Dallas will certainly need a solid rushing attack in order to open up things for the passing game.

BURNING QUESTION

Can Miles Austin have another huge game?

Some people are wondering whether Austin’s big game against the Chiefs a few weeks ago was just a fluke or whether we can expect him to be one of the most dangerous targets in the Cowboys’ offense. Of course, we can’t honestly believe that he’s going to catch ten balls and rack up 250 yards week in and week out, but I think Austin is going to help this team the rest of the season. With Roy Williams still being unable to get much of anything going, someone has to step up and be the playmaker. Austin may just be that guy.

OVER/UNDER

The current over/under according to Vegas is at 47 1/2. To me, that’s right on the money. If I had to choose, I’d probably lean more towards the under since we’re looking at two pretty good defenses here.

PREDICTION

The Cowboys need to find a way to win this one. Hopefully they’ve worked out some kinks over the bye week, and perhaps will see the offense clicking on all cylinders. The Falcons are coming off of a big victory over the Bears, and this is a potential letdown spot for them. With Turner being held in check lately, if the Cowboys can do the same, they can pick up a nice win here. It won’t be pretty, but I feel a late rally by the boys to get the job done this week.

Final Score: Cowboys 24, Falcons 23

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