Bengals vs Cowboys:
When: 8:15 PM ET, Monday, December 9, 2024
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Monday Night Showdown: Cowboys Look to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive vs. Bengals
The Dallas Cowboys (5-7) aim to ride their late-season surge into playoff contention when they host the struggling Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) on Monday Night Football. Fresh off a convincing Thanksgiving win over the Giants, Dallas is riding a two-game winning streak and faces a golden opportunity, with back-to-back games against teams under .500.
The Bengals, meanwhile, are mired in their second three-game skid of the season following a 44-38 shootout loss to the Steelers. Despite offensive firepower, their defense has been a glaring weakness, ranking among the league’s worst alongside Dallas.
Key Betting Insights & Trends:
Defensive Struggles: Both teams are tied at 29th in the NFL, giving up an alarming 28.3 points per game. While the Bengals have scored 99 points in their last three contests, they’ve allowed 113 and lost all three games. Expect high-scoring opportunities.
Cowboys’ Momentum: Backup QB Cooper Rush has delivered two straight wins over Washington and New York while playing turnover-free football. He’s 2-2 since Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury and already beat Cincinnati in 2022 (20-17).
Bengals’ Firepower: Despite their record, Cincinnati boasts the NFL’s top contributors:
- Joe Burrow: Leads the league with 30 passing touchdowns.
- Ja’Marr Chase: Top receiver with 1,142 yards.
- Trey Hendrickson: Leads the league with 11.5 sacks.
- Yet, injuries and a porous defense have cost the Bengals dearly.
Injury Report: Advantage Dallas
Injuries have plagued both squads, but the Cowboys are trending healthier:
Dallas:
Pro Bowlers Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Trevon Diggs have all missed time but are working their way back.
Brandin Cooks returned last week, and Trevon Diggs (knee) remains hopeful for Monday.
Star guard Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder) will undergo season-ending surgery, while CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) is likely to play.
Cincinnati:
Kicker Evan McPherson (groin) and linebacker Logan Wilson (knee) are out.
Defensive stalwarts Dax Hill and DJ Turner are done for the season, while LT Orlando Brown missed practice Thursday.
Player to Watch: Micah Parsons
Since returning from an ankle injury, Micah Parsons has been a game-wrecker, tallying 5.5 sacks in four games, including three multi-sack performances. Against Burrow and a battered Bengals offensive line, Parsons is poised to disrupt the pocket and tilt the game in Dallas’ favor.
