Monday | 8:15 ET
This should be an entertaining game to watch. The Chargers tend to be exciting, as they have a multitude of offensive weapons, but a subpar defense that gives up a lot of points. LA is coming off of their bye week, so they’ve had plenty of time to try and figure out how to move the ball against Dallas’s intimidating defense. The unit ranks 2nd in PFF pass rush grade and 3rd in PFF coverage grade through five weeks. They’ll be looking to write the ship after an embarrassing and disappointing loss on Sunday Night Football to the 49ers.
Seeing what OC Kellen Moore and the Chargers have been able to scheme up with the extra time is going to be exciting. The Cowboys’ defense was playing very well in Weeks 1-4 before giving up 42 to San Fransisco. The 49er offense might be on its own level at the top of the NFL, so I’m not worried about the Dallas defense. LA is explosive and will probably get star running back Austin Ekeler back from injury, but I still expect them to struggle. Tackle Rashawn Slater, who has been good this season, will have a difficult task in limiting Dallas edge rusher Micah Parsons. The first step in scoring against the Cowboys is containing the rush.
If they are able to do that, things don’t get much easier. The Cowboys have given up the 2nd-least passing yards this season, only behind the Browns who have played one less game. This is not good news for the Chargers, who rely on their passing game to get yards. The way to attack the Cowboys is on the ground. Moore will have to decide whether to pound the run game even though it is not a strength of his unit, or play into Dallas’ strength by letting Justin Herbert air it out. I expect Ekeler to get a few carries early, but the Chargers to be forced into the pass game after getting down in the game.
Switching sides, Tony Pollard just might have a field day. The Cowboys have an insane guard duo in Tyler Smith and Zach Martin (1st and 5th in PFF grade), and the Chargers rank 28th in PFF run defense grade. Pollard doesn’t need much to break off a big run, and he’ll have more than a few chances on Monday Night. Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa can rush the passer all they want, but they can’t make as much on an impact if Dallas is pounding the rock.
LA’s secondary is not good, so the Cowboys will also sprinkle in some shots downfield to get Dak’s confidence up. This is necessary after his 1 TD-3 interception performance in Week 3.
The Cowboys will win this one. They will be playing with pent-up anger from last week, and will overpower the Chargers. Herbert and LA will score a bit after having an extra week to plan, but Dallas’ defense will hold strong over the course of the game. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard and the Dallas offensive line will be bullying players on the other side of the ball.