Ascending in the NFC playoff picture, the Dallas Cowboys visit the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday with a lot on the line for each side.
Winners of five in a row, the Cowboys (10-3) moved into a tie atop the NFC East with the Eagles after posting a 33-13 victory over Philadelphia last Sunday. Dallas averaged a robust 40.2 points a game during its winning streak, and the Cowboys can clinch a playoff berth this Sunday with a win or tie or one of 13 other scenarios.
The Bills (7-6) recorded a statement victory of their own last weekend with a 20-17 decision over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dak Prescott is at the controls of Dallas’ top-ranked scoring offense (32.4 points per game). He has thrown multiple touchdown passes in each of his last seven games to boost his NFL-leading total to 28 this season.
On defense, linebacker Micah Parsons has 12.5 sacks for the season, and the Cowboys’ fourth-ranked scoring defense (17.9 points a game ) is a prime concern for Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who has been sacked just 18 times.
“Their D-line is really damn good; they fly around and they have some guys that just absolutely wreak havoc,” Allen said. “So we’re going to have our hands full in our protection meeting and need to make sure we know where 11 (Parsons) is at all times, but he’s not the only guy on their D-line that can go.”
Allen, who is tied for second in the NFL with 25 touchdown passes, guides the Bills’ fifth-ranked scoring offense (26.8 points per game).
“He’s a dynamic football player. The way he plays the position, he reminds me of a young Brett Favre,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said of Allen. “Just the temperament, the ability to throw the ball to any quadrant of the field. He’s very aggressive running the ball. You have to treat him as a running back when he gets out there because he’s not looking to go down or go out of bounds. Very impactful football player.”
Star wideout CeeDee Lamb has reeled in one scoring strike in five consecutive contests. He ranks third in the NFL in catches (96) and in receiving yards (1,253).
