Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Prediction: Cowboys win big game at home

The smoothest route to the playoffs for the Dallas Cowboys is to win the NFC East and with two games left, they are in control. But now they have to play a game at AT&T Stadium, where they are 3-4 on the season.

As palatial as the stadium is, the Cowboys have been incredibly ineffective there.

Tony Romo has a career-best 80.2 QBR, but in his last two home outings he has a 17 Total QBR and the Cowboys lost both games.

Romo has been aided by the running game, but that could be challenged this week with the status of DeMarco Murray. While the expectation is that Murray will play despite breaking his hand last week, the injury will have to affect him some. So too could a re-configured offensive line with right tackle Doug Free and right guard Zack Martin hobbled by ankle injuries. Martin is expected to play, like Murray, but he will be at less than full strength.

The Cowboys still believe they can be carried by the running game without a fully healthy Murray and line. The Indianapolis Colts' defense has playmakers, but the Cowboys' confidence has never been higher than after what they did last week at Philadelphia. Not even a home-field disadvantage can stop them Sunday.

My prediction: Cowboys 30, Colts 24

^ Back to Top ^