The Dallas Cowboys have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, but head coach Jason Garrett said all of the team's starters will play as normal for tonight's game against the Detroit Lions. The Lions are still fighting for their playoff lives, but there the Cowboys are the favorites for a reason. Here are three reasons why Dallas will win this game:
3) Dallas' stingy defense
The Cowboys's offense gets most of the publicity with Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott emerging as MVP candidates, but their defense is as good as any in the league. While they don't force a lot of turnovers, they rank fourth in the league in points allowed (18.4 per game), and have held eight of their last 12 opponents to 17 points or less. Considering the fact that Detroit has failed to score 20 points in three of their last four games, it looks like Dallas' defense will have another big game.
2) Matthew Stafford's injury
The biggest reason for Detroit's struggles offensively has been Matthew Stafford's finger injury (torn ligaments in middle finger). He suffered the injury against the Bears put up in worst performance of the season in their last game, throwing for 273 yards and an interception with no touchdowns in a 17-6 loss to the Giants. It was the fewest points the Lions have scored all season, and it was just his third game without a touchdown pass this year. With that injury obviously bothering him, the Lions will likely struggle again.
1) Dak Prescott & Ezekiel Elliott chasing history
While it doesn't seem like the Cowboys have a lot to play for, that's actually far from the truth. Prescott can tie Ben Roethlisberger for the most wins by a rookie quarterback in NFL history with a victory, and Elliott is just 257 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record. Both players would love to reach/get closer to holding those records, giving them plenty to play for.
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