Wild Card Round: Detroit @ Dallas Prediction Thread

Who wins?

  • Matthew and the Bad Mechanics

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BwareDWare94

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Sunday, 4:40ET, Fox
 
Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys
 
 

Why Detroit Will Win:
 
1. X-Factor Players
Obviously, Calvin Johnson can go off on any given Sunday, and Reggie Bush is a big game waiting to happen simply due to his elusiveness. And let's not forget Golden Tate, but I have a feeling he'll have Scandrick shadowing him all day. The player that should really worry Dallas is Glover Quin, who seems to have a knack for making big interceptions, and Tony Romo's big game struggles might play right into Quin's hands.
 
2. Defense, Defense, Defense
It's hard to imagine any defense completely stifling the Cowboys, but need I remind everybody that Washington's defense gave Dallas all kinds of hell in their first matchup. Anything is certainly possible, especially with the kinds of players Detroit has on that side of the ball. The trenches are what will decide this game, and if Detroit's DL can neutralize Dallas's OL, the Cowboys will be in trouble. 
 
Why Detroit Will Lose:
 
1. Matt Stafford Sucks
I mean, really really sucks. It's downright silly how bad he is considering the combination of intangibles that he has in his back pocket. While he's the kind of player who can throw for 400 and 4 seemingly out of nowhere, he seems mostly capable of playing rather inconsistently for a player of such talent. Needless to say, anything's possible, but the likelihood is that Stafford is underwhelming.
 
2. Offensive Line Struggles
It's not like Dallas can rush the passer, but Detroit's offensive line is having a lot of struggles and it might the undoing of their season, as Stafford has his struggles against pressure.
 

Why Dallas Will Win:
 
1. The Triplets + Dallas's OL
Romo, Murray, and Dez are now the most dangerous QB/RB/WR combination remaining in the playoffs, and when you combine that with a dominant offensive line, the possibilities are endless. As I said above, this game will come down to the trenches, no matter how good the skill players are for both teams.
 
2. Turnover Forcing Defense
If Dallas's defense is to play just well enough to win, it will come with some forced turnovers, as they're not likely to be a team that stifles any opponent. Watch out for splash plays from guys like Scandrick, Carter, and Wilcox, and who knows how Anthony Spencer will play as he continues to round into form. 
 
Why Dallas Will Lose:
 
1. Romo Meltdown
It's not likely, but it has happened before, and his history in end season games is alarming. Every smart NFL fan knows that he's a great quarterback 95% of the time, but that other 5% seems to pop up at the absolute worst of times. All things considered, knowing the kind of player he is along with the kind of off-the-field individual that he is, fans should at least be somewhat rooting for Romo. If there's no Cowboy hatred, support this great player and great individual.
 
2. Offensive Line Neutralized by Elite Defensive Line
There's absolutely no reason that Suh should be playing in this game, but he is, and the Cowboys will have to deal with that. If his impact is monumental and he makes continuous splash plays, the Cowboys simply will be in trouble.
 
3. No Pass Rush = Stafford Goes Off
If Dallas can't rush Stafford, this game is probably going to go south on them. They have to put pressure on Stafford. It's very simple.
 
Prediction: Cowboys 33 Lions 20
Dallas's offense will be too much to handle as they continue to use balance, ball control, and time of possession dominance to slowly steal Detroit's desire to continue playing.
 
Collateral Damage From This Game:
 
1. Questions arise about Stafford's job security. Matt Stafford will be in trouble after this game if he plays poorly. Detroit would be forced to bring in competition if they want to look like a competent franchise.
 
2. Dallas loses key player. Somebody's going to get hurt. I don't know who, but they've stayed too healthy. It's just not going to remain that way.


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Pugz

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i obviously want detroit to win but i know why we can lose. the cowboys don't look like the same choking team, and theyre a lot stronger than years past. i think dallas gets it done.
 

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