Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints: Week 4 Prediction

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Two teams that are feeling the desperation heading into week 4. The Dallas Cowboys are trying to survive until their offensive stars can return while the New Orleans Saints try to stay without sight of Atlanta and Carolina in the NFC South. Who secures the badly-needed win?

Injuries

Drew Brees feeling good enough to play

There are few more competitive players in the NFL than Drew Brees. A little pain isn’t going to keep him out. New Orleans knows they must be careful regarding his injured rotator cuff, but signs point to the 36-year old being able to go if the pain isn’t too bad. If it’s up to him, it’s not up for debate.

Jeremy Mincey probable after concussion recovery

The Cowboys pass rush is already thin as it is so the last thing they needed was to lose one of their key guys in Jeremy Mincey. The good news is the defensive end passed the concussion protocol and is considered probable for the game. He’ll be needed in order to make life more difficult on Brees.

Key Matchups

Devin Breaux vs. Devin Street

Injuries to the Saints secondary and Cowboys receiving corps have hatched a very interesting matchup. Young receiver Devin Street was elevated to fill the void left by Dez Bryant. He’ll go against young corner Devin Breaux who has been promoted through a slew of ailments on Saints corners. Whomever handles their promotion better in this game will determine a lot.

Mark Ingram vs. Sean Lee

With Brees nursing that shoulder problem, New Orleans knows they need to dictate the pace of the game by running the football. That means heavy doses of Mark Ingram. It will be up to the Cowboys front seven to stop that, specifically the linebackers led by the resurgent Sean Lee.

Fantasy

Sit: Mark Ingram

Dallas has one of the 10 best run defenses in the league and there is no reason to think that will regress in this game. They are very good and active up front with athletic linebackers and physical safeties. It’s going to prove quite difficult for Ingram to get going.

Start: Joseph Randle

At the same time, the Cowboys have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and they will look to dictate the tempo by trying to establish the run. Joseph Randle got off to a great start last week but fell off late. Don’t expect that to happen this time as he faces a Saints defense riddled with injuries and fielding a lot of rookie starters.

Prediction: Saints win 28-27

This pick is being made on the belief that Drew Brees plays. If it’s him against Brandon Weeden, then the advantage goes to New Orleans. Like last week, Dallas will be game but sooner or later the Cowboys will need their quarterback to make some plays. History says to avoid making that bet on Weeden.

Next: Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals: Week 4 Prediction

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