Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 8th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Cleveland crushed quarterbacks on a regular basis last season, but unfortunately, the Browns were unable to keep their own quarterback healthy.

The Cowboys had the runner-up for MVP leading their team, but they were ultimately defeated by a rising star in yet another disappointing playoff loss.

With a revamped team and a strong desire to return to the postseason, the Cowboys will travel to Cleveland for a Week 1 matchup that will likely be decided by the performances of quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Deshaun Watson.

Prescott and the Cowboys had a successful 2023 season, finishing with a record of 12-5, winning the NFC East, and even hosting a playoff game. However, due to Prescott's struggles in the postseason and his limited number of playoff wins, the national narrative surrounding him has not been entirely positive.

In light of this, Dallas wide receiver Brandin Cooks came to Prescott's defense on Wednesday as the team prepares to face Cleveland's formidable defense, led by defensive end Myles Garrett.

"This guy consistently shows up year after year, putting up impressive numbers and leading his team," Cooks said of Prescott. "But he can't do it all on his own. Even great quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Drew Brees had a strong supporting cast to help them succeed, right?"

"As his teammates, we should take it personally when we hear this disrespect towards him," Cooks added.

Prescott and the Cowboys have been embroiled in a contract dispute since last season ended. With his current four-year, $160 million deal set to expire, Prescott cannot be retained with the franchise tag.

However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has stated that it's not as simple as just "paying Dak." The team has already had to shell out a hefty contract extension for receiver CeeDee Lamb, and they may have to do the same for pass rusher Micah Parsons in the near future.

Lamb, who had a record-setting season in 2023 with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards, will have his hands full facing off against Browns cornerback Denzel Ward in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Despite the contract dispute, Lamb expressed his desire for Prescott to remain with the Cowboys.

"I have no doubt that they'll get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here, and Jerry wants Dak here too, so let's put an end to all the speculation," Lamb said.

Meanwhile, Watson has his own battle to fight. After a season-ending shoulder injury in 2020, the Browns were able to make it to the playoffs with the help of Joe Flacco. Watson, who has only made 12 starts since the end of the 2020 season, is determined to prove his worth. This may be a difficult task, considering he is currently in the middle of a five-year, $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed when he was acquired from the Houston Texans.

"Regardless of whether you won MVP or didn't play last year, it's a new year," Watson stated on Wednesday. "In this league, if you're focused on the past, you'll be left behind."

Unfortunately for the Browns, they will have to start the season without their former All-Pro running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a knee injury in Week 2 last season. In his place, Jerome Ford, who shared the workload with Kareem Hunt in 2023, will be the lead back against the Cowboys.

On the other side, Ezekiel Elliott is back for the Cowboys and is listed as the starting running back. Elliott, who was drafted in the first round in 2016, the same year Prescott was picked in the fourth round, spent last season as a backup with the New England Patriots before reuniting with Dallas.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has made it clear that there will be a committee approach at running back, with Rico Dowdle also in the mix. He also had a message for anyone reacting to the Week 1 depth chart, reminding them to keep the long view in mind for the entire 21-game season, which would culminate in the Super Bowl.

PREDICTION

Dallas Cowboys

20

23

Cleveland Browns