Series Record: Cowboys lead 10-4
Last Meeting: Cowboys beat Bengals 20-17 on Sept. 18, 2022
Date: Monday, 8:15 p.m. EST
TV: ESPN
The Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys square off in a critical Monday Night Football matchup with both teams clinging to faint playoff hopes. Dallas holds a narrow series edge and home-field advantage, but this game features individual stars and intriguing storylines that could make it a must-watch.
Joe Burrow’s brilliance has shone through an otherwise disappointing Bengals season. Leading the NFL in passing yards (3,337), completions (302), and touchdowns (30) entering Week 14, Burrow’s elite production places him in rare company. Only five quarterbacks in NFL history have tallied at least 30 touchdown passes with five or fewer interceptions through 12 games, including legends like Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady.
Despite Burrow’s efforts, the Bengals sit at an uncharacteristic 4-8, a far cry from the lofty records of the teams in those previous historic performances. For Cincinnati to break Dallas’ five-game winning streak in the series, Burrow must continue his stellar play and capitalize on a Cowboys secondary that could be without Trevon Diggs for a third straight game.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is emerging as a key playmaker for the Dallas defense. After missing his rookie season with a knee injury, Overshown delivered a signature moment in Week 13, returning an interception for a 23-yard touchdown against the Giants. The second-year pro is generating excitement alongside Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s premier defenders.
Overshown’s speed and instincts will be crucial against Burrow and the Bengals’ dynamic passing attack, particularly if the Cowboys want to pressure Burrow into mistakes.
All eyes will be on Ja’Marr Chase, the NFL’s leader in receiving yards (1,142) and touchdowns (13). Chase’s ability to dominate games makes him a focal point for the Dallas secondary, which could again be without Trevon Diggs due to lingering groin and knee injuries.
If Diggs remains sidelined, DaRon Bland will likely draw the assignment. Bland, a 2023 All-Pro, has played well since returning from surgery for a stress fracture in his foot, but slowing Chase will be a tall order. Chase will also look to avenge a quiet performance from the 2022 meeting, when Dallas limited him to 54 yards.
Dallas has dominated this series historically, winning five straight games and seven of eight meetings at home. However, key injuries could play a significant role in this contest:
Bengals: Kicker Evan McPherson and linebacker Logan Wilson were placed on injured reserve, with rookie Cade York stepping in to handle kicking duties. Star left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. will miss his fourth game in five weeks, further complicating Cincinnati’s offensive protection schemes.
Cowboys: Guard Zack Martin underwent season-ending ankle surgery, and DeMarcus Lawrence remains sidelined with a foot injury. Left tackle Tyler Guyton is also likely out, leaving the Dallas offensive line in flux.
The Bengals’ offense runs through Burrow and Chase, and their connection will need to be at its best against a Dallas defense that thrives on creating turnovers and chaos. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ offense, led by Dak Prescott, must find consistency against a Bengals defense weakened by injuries.
The game could hinge on whether the Cowboys can pressure Burrow behind a banged-up offensive line, or if Cincinnati’s defense can slow a Dallas attack missing key offensive linemen. Dallas’ home-field advantage and opportunistic defense prove the difference in a hard-fought game.
