FRISCO, Texas -- For the first time ever, the Dallas Cowboys will play a regular season game in Las Vegas this coming Monday.
The Cowboys (3-6-1) face the Raiders (2-7) as Dallas comes off of their bye week and with key defensive pieces like DeMarvion Overshown back in the fold.
They'll also get their first look at their trade deadline acquisitions in Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, as well as rookie CB Shavon Revel Jr.
Will the added help on defense be enough to get the Cowboys back in the win column? Our staff weighs in:
Tommy: It's been a really tough week for the Cowboys. That is putting it lightly, still. Brian Schottenheimer and several of Marshawn Kneeland's teammates have said over the course of the last week that they plan to honor him by the way they play, and I think they'll do that. With the additions of Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, I think Dallas has an opportunity to get the upper hand in stopping rookie RB Ashton Jeanty early, which would be a really big win. Forcing Geno Smith to throw as much as possible is probably their best path to victory, but what does the secondary situation really look like? Offensively, this is a game where the Cowboys skill position players need to come back alive. The Raiders' defense isn't bad, but it's not to the level of some teams that Dallas has already faced this year. I think the Cowboys get a victory to get back in the win column. Cowboys 35, Raiders 24
Patrik: Tragedy. Devastation. These are the two words that describe what the Cowboys experienced during their bye week with the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. This is what they're working to move through as they prepare for the Raiders, and their heavy hearts are drenched in a craving to win for their teammate and brother, the word "relentless" being used to describe how they'll honor him with their play, effective Monday night in Las Vegas. Add this to the additions of Quinnen Williams (huge) and Logan Wilson via trade, the return of DeMarvion Overshown and the potential debut of Shavon Revel (despite both probably needing grace in returning to form), with at least one, if not both, starting safeties likely returning to action and it suddenly looks like the beleaguered defense might become anything but. I believe, all things considered, including the Raiders' struggles, the emotionally-charged Cowboys won't let this one be close. 34-17, Cowboys
Nick: The Cowboys needed a bye week in the worst way. Now, they need a football game just as bad. Taking absolutely nothing away from the tragic events that have occurred in the last 10 days, the Cowboys must figure out a way to be mentally stronger than ever before. I have always been convinced that games are won and loss during the week. Sure, both teams will be hyped at game time under the bright Monday night lights. But are they prepared? Have they done everything necessary to be at their best?That's always the question to ask but for the Cowboys this week, you have to wonder just how ready they're going to be. This will be a huge test for Brian Schottenheimer and his staff but something tells me they're not only going to be ready to play, but prepared to play as well. Hopefully, the combination of the extra emotions, coupled with the new faces and returning players on defense, and the fact this week's opponent is near the bottom the league, I think the Cowboys will play well and be in control from start to finish. I'll take the Cowboys running away with a 38-21 win.
Kyle Youmans: I keep hearing the phrase "get right game" tossed around this week when it comes to the Cowboys-Raiders matchup on Monday night. I don't like that term for multiple reasons, but mostly because Las Vegas could be saying the exact same thing about playing the Cowboys at home despite a 2-7 start. Coming off the bye week, playing with a more talented roster on paper, and with an entirely new look on the defensive side of the ball, this Cowboys team should play a spirited brand of football this week. They'll control the line of scrimmage against a Raiders team that has struggled in that regard at times, and they'll win this game in a big way. Cowboys 33-20.
