Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys Matchup Preview - September 18th, 2022

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals faceoff against Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys. The Bengals enter the game as a huge favorite (-340) despite being on the road. Cincinnati is currently favored by -7.5 points while the Game Total is currently sitting on 42.0.

Dallas's primary advantage has been their offense, which ranks #4 in the NFL at 420 yards per game. The quality of their passing attack has led to much of their success. The Cowboys 331 yards per game through the air ranks #4-best in football this year. When it comes to their defense, the Cowboys check in at #19 in football when it comes to total yards allowed per game. Opposing air attacks have notched 249 yards per game against Dallas this year (#26 in football). Opposing ball-carriers have ranked #11 against them with 4.32 yards per ground attempt. This Cowboys defense hits their peak effectiveness when it comes to defending opposing running backs, keeping them in check at just 5.5 yards per target (#10-best in the league). Dallas's defensive effectiveness bottoms out when it comes to defending opposing tight ends, who have scorched them for 59 yards per game (#5-worst in the league).

Cincinnati's biggest strength has been their offense, ranking #4 in the league with 420 yards per game. They've achieved offensive success largely through the quality of their passing attack, which is #4-best in football with 331 yards per game. In terms of their defense, the Bengals have ranked #19 in the league in total yards allowed per game. Opposing offenses have passed for 249 yards per game through the air against them (#26 in football). On the ground, opposing ball-carriers have ranked #11 with 4.32 yards per carry. Cincinnati has been most effective in shutting down opposing running backs, holding them to 5.5 yards per target (#10-best). Cincinnati has been least effective in shutting down opposing tight ends, giving up 59 yards per game (#5-worst).

Cincinnati Bengals Insights

• THE BLITZ projects this game to play at the 11th-slowest pace on the slate this week, averaging 27.28 seconds per play given the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.

• The Cincinnati Bengals cornerbacks rank as the 3rd-best collection of CBs in the NFL since the start of last season in pass coverage.

• The Cincinnati Bengals have risked going for it on 4th down a measly 15.7% of the time since the start of last season (7th-least in football), which generally means less offensive volume, less TD potential, and lower offensive stats across the board.

Dallas Cowboys Insights

• The Dallas Cowboys will be forced to start backup QB Cooper Rush in this week's contest, which usually means fewer pass attempts and more rushing.

• Dalton Schultz's possession skills have improved this season, with his Completion% jumping from 76.3% to 83.4%.

• THE BLITZ projects Dalton Schultz to accrue 0.22 receiving touchdowns in this week's game, on average, putting him in the 85th percentile among tight ends.

Betting Trends

• The Cincinnati Bengals have covered the Spread in 8 of their last 9 away games (+6.90 Units / 71% ROI)

• Dak Prescott has hit the Completions Under in 8 of his last 10 games at home (+5.50 Units / 43% ROI)