Cowboys-Giants Prediction, 12/14

The Cowboys have dealt with a huge distraction this week caused by Terrell Owens. How's the saying go - those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it or something like that? We've seen this all before and we saw last week how difficult it can be to win with distractions like the Giants experienced.

Tonight, the Cowboys will look to disregard those distractions and focus on the Giants, who have looked like the best team in the NFL. They are without Brandon Jacobs, but it will be interesting to see how the pass distribution of the Cowboys affects T.O.

Here are the keys to the game for the Cowboys according to the Sporting News:

1. Make the Giants one-dimensional. Dallas can't allow the Giants to be balanced on offense, because coordinator Kevin Gilbride too many options. The Giants have rushed for more than 2,000 yards and Eli Manning has passed for more than 2,700 yards. The best thing for the Cowboys to do is take away the running game, even if they consistently put eight men in the box. If the Giants can run the ball effectively, they can control the clock, wear down the defense and set up play-action passes that can lead to big plays. The Cowboys' run defense has allowed more than 100 yards just once in the past five games.

2. Get Romo to protect the ball. Tony Romo will continue to have trouble in big games if he keeps turning the ball over. Romo accounted for four of Dallas' five giveaways last week with three interceptions and a fumble. He is careless with the ball and reckless in his never-ending quest to make a big play. That recklessness is also the reason he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Still, he can't have more than one turnover against the low-risk Giants and expect to win.

3. Avoid a Pittsburgh hangover. The Cowboys were outscored 17-0 in the final seven minutes last week as the Steelers overcame a 13-3 deficit. The loss was devastating for a team fighting to make the playoffs. Dallas probably needs to win at least two of their final three games to make the postseason. They can't afford to come out sluggish or spend the week having a pity party over the loss to Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Giants 21, Cowboys 13 (Hate to admit it, but think the distractions will really hurt.)