Which player will be the X-Factor when the Cowboys face the Rams

The Dallas Cowboys are playing their second to last game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, there’s always a possibility that they can earn a home playoff game if they can take down the NFC East. For that to happen, it means they’re most likely going to have to stroll into Lincoln Financial Field next week and complete the sweep of the Philadelphia Eagles.

But before that can happen, the Cowboys must take care of business against the Rams. It’s going to be a tough game as L.A. is starting to revert back to the team that saw them emerge as the best team in the NFC a year ago. For Dallas to get the win, players are going to have to step up, but which players will it be? Here are our predictions for the X-Factor player of the game when the Cowboys face the Rams.

Tom Ryle: Jaylon Smith

The running game has been key for the Rams and Smith has to have a good game to counter that. He has seemed lost lately. If he can recover some of his old form, there’s hope. But if he doesn’t, the Rams could run all over the Cowboys.

David Howman: Amari Cooper

I know he’s been playing with lingering injuries, but Coop has also disappeared against elite cornerbacks this year. Now he’s facing Jalen Ramsey. Since I don’t expect this Dallas defense to put up much of a fight, Cooper will need to step up and help Dak out in what could turn into a shootout. If not, then it’ll probably just be a blowout.

Michael Strawn: Amari Cooper

After leading the league through the first ten weeks of the season the offense hasn’t been able to convert when the game is in doubt the last three weeks. The Rams are a formidable defense; if Dallas can’t convert third downs again it will be another long afternoon. The key player will be Amari Cooper. Coop has been a significantly better player at home than on the road. His production has declined recently seemingly as a result of injuries. He’s going to need to have a big game Sunday for Dallas to have any hope.

Danny Phantom: DeMarcus Lawrence

With the Cowboys possibly down two linebackers, this could put a huge strain on an unit that is already struggling to bring the defense down. While players from all levels will need to step up, they really need a big game from their defensive line. Robert Quinn gets a chance to play against the team that drafted him, but look for Tank to make an impact in both the run game and with a disruptive pass rush. I’m calling for a multi-sack game from Lawrence, including a splash play that forces a turnover.

Let’s see who the folks on twitter are picking...

The Cowboys cannot afford to come up empty after putting together a nice drive. Hopefully, the change to Forbath will help in this area as they’ll need every point they can get in this one.

Not-so-fun fact: The last time Greg Zuerlein played at AT&T stadium he made seven field goals. That’s two more than Kai Forbath has made in the last two seasons combined.

Pollard was inactive last game due to an ankle injury, but he’s had plenty of time to rest up after the team’s 10-day layoff since the Bears’ game. Will the rookie running back be able to help Ezekiel Elliott carry the workload?

The last time the Cowboys were at home, they capped off their opening drive with a touchdown pass to Jason Witten. Unfortunately, the offense went missing-in-action after that.

Record watch: Witten needs two more touchdown catches to tie Dez Bryant for the franchise’s all-time record. There are only three games left in the season and Witten’s future is unclear. Will he do it?

Who do you have as this week’s X-Factor player?