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Thursday Night Breakdown: Cowboys, Riding Win Streak, Face Vikings
dfw.cbslocal.com ^ | November 30, 2016 8:57 AM | By Danny Cox

Posted on 12/01/2016 11:09:07 AM PST by Red Badger

It’s been a rather strange 2016 season in the NFL. Teams expected to be among the top contenders (Colts and Packers) are fighting for their playoff lives, while teams not expected to do much (Raiders and Cowboys) sit atop their divisions and look to secure home-field advantage.

Such unpredictability helps make the NFL exciting and fun each year.

Two playoff contenders, the Cowboys and Vikings, will battle it out on Thursday Night Football this week. The Cowboys own the NFC East with the best record in the NFL (10-1). They’re also riding a 10-game winning streak thanks to rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys look to continue their momentum against the Vikings, who they haven’t defeated in Minnesota since 1995.

How The Cowboys Can Clinch A Playoff Berth This Weekend

This might be their year. It’s hard to overstate how surprising — and impressive — the Cowboys’ rise has been. Tony Romo is now the quarterback of the past in Dallas, and Prescott is clearly the future. Additionally, Elliott leads the league with 1,199 yards on the ground and could break the NFL rookie record for most rushing yards in a season.

Outspoken wide receiver Dez Bryant, who has just 33 receptions for 550 yards this season, has been a popular target for Prescott as of late. Bryant has 18 receptions and three touchdowns in the last three games. A big reason for the Cowboys’ success, of course, is their offensive line, possibly the best in football.

NFL Ratings Ailing? Cowboys Provide The Cure

The 2016 Vikings haven’t been nearly as consistent. Losing starting QB Teddy Bridgewater and star running back Adrian Peterson early on, the team was all but left for dead. And yet they won their first five games. Acquiring Sam Bradford, the Eagles’ talented and injury-prone passer, certainly helped, as did a stout and stingy defense.Then they lost their next four games and split their last two to end up trailing the Lions in the NFC North hunt. The Vikings still hope to make a playoff run, and the schedule beyond the Cowboys game seems favorable. But there is significant work to be done if Minnesota is to be considered a championship-caliber team. Peterson’s return in the coming weeks should help if the playoffs remain within reach.

Jerry Jones Explains How Dak Is ‘The Daddy’ Cowboys Hall Of Fame QBs Never Did What Prescott Has

Players, such as Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph, and Adam Thielen, have stepped up to help the offense in Peterson’s absence. But it has been an uphill battle.

Bradford landed on the Vikings’ injury report Monday with an ankle issue that limited his practice time. The star quarterback will be needed, and needed at full strength, Thursday night. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and safety Harrison Smith also sat out of practice on Monday. Neither has been ruled out for Thursday, and the injury-riddled Vikings hope to have both players against the Cowboys’ high-powered attack.

The depleted Vikings hope they have enough on offense and defense to take down the NFL’s best team. They don’t. The Cowboys shouldn’t have a problem winning their 11th in a row on Thursday.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 32 – Minnesota Vikings 21


TOPICS: Society; Sports
KEYWORDS: americasteam; cowboys; dak; dallascowboys; football; nfl; prescott; vikings
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To: Smittie

To you as well...but don’t get your hopes up.

AZ definitely underperforming this year. The window has closed for Palmer & Ariens.


61 posted on 12/01/2016 1:44:37 PM PST by Az Joe (11-8-2016-----We're still here President Reagan!!)
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To: Lurkinanloomin

I’ve been a Bills fan since their first home game in the AFL. I haven’t watched a single minute of football this season and have no idea where they are in the standings.


62 posted on 12/01/2016 1:50:07 PM PST by anoldafvet
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To: Az Joe

I actually like college football better than Pro.


63 posted on 12/01/2016 1:53:38 PM PST by Smittie (Just like an alien I'm a stranger in a strange land)
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To: Red Badger


As seen today..................................and next season.

64 posted on 12/01/2016 3:12:07 PM PST by sparklite2 (I'm less interested in the rights I have than the liberties I can take.)
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To: Red Badger

“Onesies”!


65 posted on 12/01/2016 5:57:30 PM PST by mrsmith (Dumb sluts: Lifeblood of the Media, Backbone of the Democrat/RINO Party!)
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To: Red Badger

Still supporting the NFL, ehh ?


66 posted on 12/01/2016 8:07:08 PM PST by tomkat (alt right)
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To: MplsSteve; stboz; CodeToad

11-1.....................


67 posted on 12/02/2016 6:23:06 AM PST by Red Badger
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To: Smittie

Jones musta paid a lot for that win last night. Blatant facemask/hands to the face of the QB. No matter, Jones will be bounced in the first playoff game.


68 posted on 12/02/2016 6:57:30 AM PST by Az Joe (11-8-2016-----We're still here President Reagan!!)
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To: Red Badger

Americas Team is Great Again!


69 posted on 12/02/2016 9:53:22 AM PST by unixfox (Abolish Slavery, Repeal the 16th Amendment)
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To: anoldafvet
I’ve been a Bills fan since their first home game in the AFL. I haven’t watched a single minute of football this season and have no idea where they are in the standings.

It's like the daytime soap operas. Even if you don't watch for a couple of year, you can start again and pick right up where you left off................Same with the Bills.........

70 posted on 12/02/2016 10:10:57 AM PST by Red Badger
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To: unixfox

Someone on here doesn’t like the Cowboys, for some strange reason................


71 posted on 12/02/2016 10:14:42 AM PST by Red Badger
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To: Red Badger

Jealousy perhaps?


72 posted on 12/02/2016 11:07:21 AM PST by unixfox (Abolish Slavery, Repeal the 16th Amendment)
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