5 Statistical Predictions For New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys In NFL Week 5

By Derek McVay

5 Statistical Predictions For Patriots vs. Cowboys In NFL Week 5

New England Patriots - Dallas Cowboys
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Before the season began, many football fans had this game circled on the calendar as one of the premier games of the entire season, a potential Super Bowl preview. Unfortunately, with some key injuries to the Dallas Cowboys, this game has lost most, if not all of its luster. The Patriots are 11-4 following the bye week under Bill Belichick, so look for that mark to improve to 12-4 after Sunday. Check out some other predictions for Sunday's game.

5. Dan Bailey Will Kick 3 Field Goals

Dan Bailey
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5. Dan Bailey Will Kick 3 Field Goals

Dan Bailey
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The Patriots' defensive statistics are a little skewed as opposing offenses have been able to pad their stats in the late stages of the game when things were out of reach. Still, the Patriots have not proven to be a true shutdown defense just yet. It appears they have reverted to the bend but don't break mentality, yielding field goals instead of touchdowns, and buckling down in the red zone. Expect more of that this weekend in Dallas.

4. Jason Witten Will Have 3 Receptions or Less

Jason Witten
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4. Jason Witten Will Have 3 Receptions or Less

Jason Witten
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As simple as it may sound, the Patriots' defensive gameplan notoriously focuses on shutting down the opposing team's top offensive weapon. With Dez Bryant out, they will certainly focus on Jason Witten. Witten hasn't quite taken off as many predicted in the absence of Bryant, but part of that is because of the injury to Tony Romo. At any rate, he is clearly Dallas' top weapon and will be New England's primary focus.

3. Brandon Weeden Will Throw 2 INTs

Brandon Weeden
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3. Brandon Weeden Will Throw 2 INTs

Brandon Weeden
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While Dallas has opted to rely on the running game and use Weeden in more of a game manager role since the injury to Tony Romo, that may not be an option this week. Dallas could be playing from behind a lot in this one and won't be able to commit to running the ball. Weeden will be asked to do a bit more than just manage the game, which could lead to him taking some shots downfield and yield some turnovers.

2. Rob Gronkowski Will Have 100 Receiving Yards and 2 TDs

Rob Gronkowski
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2. Rob Gronkowski Will Have 100 Receiving Yards and 2 TDs

Rob Gronkowski
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Rob Gronkowski has torched each defense he has matched up against this year. Dallas' defense has handled tight ends with ease through the first four games of the year, but they haven't faced a tight end who possesses even half the ability of Gronk. He has looked uncoverable with over 300 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the first three games and should continue to put up big numbers this week in Dallas.

1. Tom Brady Will Throw 3 TDs

Tom Brady
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1. Tom Brady Will Throw 3 TDs

Tom Brady
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Tom Brady has had two weeks to prepare for the Cowboys, so expect a big performance from him. Combine that with Greg Hardy's recent comments about his wife -- though I personally thought they were harmless -- and Brady may have some extra motivation this week. Brady's quick throws will be able to neutralize Hardy and the Cowboys' pass rush, and the rest of the team will struggle to match up with all of New England's weapons.

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