Thursday | 8:15 ET
The floundering Seahawks will visit the surging Cowboys in Dallas on Thursday Night Football this week. Seattle comes in at 6-5 in the midst of a two-game losing streak. Every game matters as they try to hang onto an NFC wildcard spot. Unfortunately for them, they may run into a buzzsaw this week in Dallas. The Cowboys are winners of three in a row, and have outscored opponents by exactly 100 points in this stretch. They are absolutely obliterating teams. The Seahawks, though, will provide some stiffer competition.
The Cowboys defense is its strength. Dallas allows the third-least yards per play in the NFL, and the fourth-least net yards per pass attempt. Cornerback Daron Bland is having a historic season. Last week, he recorded his fifth pick-six of the 2023 season, breaking the NFL single-season record. He ranks first in PFF grade out of 120 qualified cornerbacks. Veteran CB Stephon Gilmore is having a nice season as well. Led by defensive player of the year-candidate Micah Parsons (third in PFF grade out of 106 qualified edges) and Dexter Lawrence (eighth in PFF grade out of 106 qualified edges), the pass rush has boosted the secondary’s numbers by creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dallas ranks third in PFF pass rush grade.
Geno Smith and the Seahawks will be tasked with scoring against this fantastic defense. This offense should be good. It ranks 10th in PFF offensive grade, and is lined with talent in WRs DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and RB Kenneth Walker III. However, it only ranks 15th in net yards per pass attempt and 22nd in yards per carry. In my opinion, it all comes down to quarterback Geno Smith. When the Seahawks were winning, it was usually behind big efforts from Geno. When he throws for over 250 passing yards this season, the team has a record of 4-1. When he goes under, the team is 2-4. Especially with Walker’s injury, it all comes down to the passing attack. Against Daron Bland and the Cowboys’ stingy coverage, this will be a monumental challenge. Even though Seattle hasn’t been efficient on the ground, expect them at least try to pound the rock early. Don’t expect much out of any skill position players this week.
Switching sides, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is on a heater this year. He has thrown the second most passing touchdowns (23) and led the Cowboys to ranking fourth in net yards per pass attempt. WR CeeDee Lamb is reaping the benefits. He is third in receiving yards on the year. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are slightly below average against the pass this year. They have good players, but don’t grade out well in any passing stats against. Rookie CB Devon Witherspoon is having an amazing season. He ranks fourth out of 120 qualified cornerbacks in PFF grade. It will be interesting to see how much he can slow down CeeDee Lamb in the slot.
The Seahawks pass rush has been effective this year. Seattle is top-ten in both hurry and pressure percentage. Unfortunately for them, Dallas has allowed the eighth-least sacks. Left tackle Tyron Smith leads an offensive line that has consistently protected Prescott this season.
The Cowboys are going to win this game easily. Two of their three losses were on the road against top NFC powers (49ers and Eagles), the other a slip-up against the Cardinals. Dallas is still undefeated at home this year and are the hottest team in the NFL. Seattle will run into a buzz saw on Thursday Night.