Week 1 couldn’t have gone much better for the Dallas Cowboys, as they cruised to a comfortable 33-17 road win over the Cleveland Browns.
As the Cowboys turn their attention to their home opener in Week 2, the New Orleans Saints figure to put up a much tougher fight, as they come into town after a total beatdown of their division rival Carolina Panthers.
New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys Game Preview
Both the Cowboys and the Saints head into Week 2 feeling really good about themselves. Both are coming off double-digit point victories where they dominated their Week 1 opponents.
However, as the Saints head into Dallas this week, something will have to give.
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A lot will be learned this week as both teams look to be serious contenders in the tough NFC playoff race. The winner of this game will once again feel good about themselves and their legitimacy, while the loser will have more questions to answer as they drop to 1-1.
This will be the 32nd meeting between the two franchises, and the Cowboys hold an 18-13 overall lead.
5 Saints-Cowboys Stats Ahead of Week 1
Stat: In Weeks 1-4, dating back to 2021, the Cowboys are 10-3 with a +137 point differential. However, they are 1-2 with a -10 point differential when playing an NFC South team in those games (9-1, +147 otherwise).
Analysis: It’s clear the Cowboys have been able to get off to hot starts in recent years but have found troubles when faced with NFC South foes. The Saints look to be an intriguing team after their big Week 1 win, but was it a sign of who they really are, or more of a mirage based on an inferior opponent? Dallas is looking to find out that answer.
Stat: Since the start of 2021, Derek Carr has a winning record (10-9) in regular season games as an underdog.
Analysis: Much like his entire career, Carr’s numbers against quality teams or teams the public perceives to be better is pretty middling. With Dallas deploying a hungry defense, the Saints are going to need the best version of Carr this weekend to pull off the road win.
Stat: In a game where they dominated, the Cowboys did go three-and-out on 50% of their Week 1 drives (2023 rate: 26%).
Analysis: It was clear watching the game that Dallas’ offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders. With a combination of rust and the Browns having one of the NFL’s best defensive units, it really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Dallas’ offense had a similar start in Week 1 last year when the Cowboys beat the New York Giants 40-0. Look for the offense to find more rhythm at home this week.
Stat: Rashid Shaheed was targeted on 26.3% of his snaps in Week 1, a rate he topped just once last season.
Analysis: The Saints have pass-catching weapons that can take the top off of a defense and change the complexion of a game. With Chris Olave being the clear No. 1 target, Trevon Diggs and Co. cannot afford to take Rashid Shaheed lightly either.
Stat: The Cowboys trailed only the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 defensive success rate (74.4%).
Analysis: As mentioned above, the Cowboys’ offense could afford to be sluggish because of the way their defense played in Week 1. It was a full-on onslaught against the Browns offense, and Dallas was at the top of the league in success rate, giving Cleveland no chance to fight back.
Saints vs. Cowboys Predictions
A lot will be learned on Sunday about these two teams. Early season, fresh off of a win, both teams will have every reason to come into the afternoon feeling good about themselves. However, only one will feel that way coming out of the matchup.
Ultimately, the Saints are a quality opponent the Cowboys shouldn’t take lightly for a second. I do have a sense that Dallas may be in the tier above them in the NFC hierarchy.
It should be a good game, but I think Dallas will come through in its home opener.
Final Score Prediction: Dallas 27, Saints 21
David Bearman: Dallas
Adam Beasley: Dallas
Brian Blewis: Dallas
Mike Gambardella: Dallas
Jay Morrison: Dallas
Dakota Randall: Dallas
Dallas Robinson: Dallas
Kyle Soppe: Dallas
Dan Tomaro: Dallas
Ben Rolfe: Dallas
Mike Wobschall: Dallas