REPORT: Cowboys’ Offense Just Got A Ridiculous Advantage In Week 2 Vs. Saints

Dec 2, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes the ball against New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are looking for their fourth consecutive season of (at least) 12 regular season wins. Only this year, they hope to finally make it to the NFC Championship Game for a chance to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.

That quest got off to a great start in the form of a 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. In week two they’ll welcome the New Orleans Saints into AT&T Stadium.

According to multiple reports, Dallas’ offense may already have a big advantage.

Cowboys’ Offense Just Got A Massive Advantage In Week 2 Vs. Saints

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes the football in front of quarterback Trey Lance (15) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Due to Marshon Lattimore’s injury, Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb could have a massive game in Week 2.

A hamstring injury forced Lattimore to leave the Saints’ Week 1 victory. Soft-tissue injuries are always tricky, no matter how minor they may seem. Players who return too soon are at high risk of re-injury, and Lattimore has an extensive history of hamstring injuries. According to journalist Jerry Trotta:

The Saints have playoff aspirations this season, so it might be in their best interest to sit Lattimore this week. The four-time Pro Bowler did not practice on Wednesday, so he seems questionable at best to suit up on Sunday. Even if he plays, he’d likely be on a pitch count.

Regardless, Lattimore’s injury sets up well for Lamb and the Cowboys offense to have a breakout game.

Lamb is more lethal from the slot and played there a lot against the Browns: 30 snaps in the slot compared to 15 out wide, per PFF. That could have something to do with Cleveland having two strong outside CBs in Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome, but Lamb is the NFL’s best slot receiver.

He is going to play there a lot regardless, but Mike McCarthy could get even more creative with No. 88 this week if Lattimore doesn’t go. In that scenario, the Saints would ask more out of second-round rookie Kool-Aid Mckinstry and undrafted rookie Payton Rice. What play-caller wouldn’t want to get their all-word receiver matched up against first-year players?

Prescott and Lamb connected multiple times in Week 1, but their chemistry was a tick off. Lattimore’s injury could help get them back on track.

Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

In NFL Week 2 odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, the Cowboys are 6.5-point favorites over the Saints.

New Orleans is +240 on the moneyline, while Dallas is -300.

There is a 45.5 point over/under set for this game.

In Week 1, both teams impressed, but it was the Cowboys who stood out against a more difficult opponent on the road. One thing is certain, this will truly be an early test for both teams who hope to make noise in the NFC playoffs this year.

Jul 31, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports