Cowboys - Giants Prediction, 11/2

The Cowboys won last week 13-9 in an ugly game versus the Bucs. However, wouldn't you prefer to win ugly than to lose pretty? Plus, a win is not differentiated in the standings, i.e., a "win is a win."

Today, the Cowboys head to the Big Apple to take on the New York Giants. Current NFC East standings are: Giants 6-1, Redskins 6-2, Cowboys 5-3 and Eagles 4-3. Although the 'Boys are 9-point favorites, the Cowboys will be 1/2 game behind the Giants with a win today.

According to the Sporting News, here are the keys to the game for the Cowboys:

1. Stretch the field: With Tony Romo at the helm, the Cowboys had the NFL's most explosive offense. They led the league in plays of 10 yards or more and 20 yards or more. Since he's been out, the Cowboys have just three plays of 20 yards or more -- none against Tampa Bay. No way the Cowboys beat the Giants without stretching the field and at least throwing a couple of deep balls to force New York's safeties away from the line of scrimmage. Otherwise, the Giants will constrict the field and take away the short routes that Johnson prefers to throw.

2. Commit fewer than six penalties: The Cowboys are one of the NFL's most penalized teams, but without Romo at quarterback they have no margin for error. They have to eliminate the penalties -- especially the pre-snap miscues -- that have plagued them much of the season because they're not good enough offensively to overcome them. DeMarcus Ware was offsides twice against Tampa Bay and another was declined. Again, with their offense struggling, they can't afford to give extra downs to the opposing offense.

3. Keep the ball for 28 minutes: Each yard gained is a victory while Romo is out. No one expects the Cowboys to put up prolific offensive numbers with Brad Johnson at quarterback, but he has to be able to sustain some drives or the Cowboys' defense will simply wear down chasing 6-4, 265-pound Brandon Jacobs all over the field. They gained 19 yards on their first nine plays and went three-and-out three straight times. They can't afford to do that against the Giants. They need some offensive continuity and first downs to control the ball and keep their defense fresh.

Prediction: Cowboys 21, Giants 20 - Maybe wishful thinking, but I have faith...