Los Angeles was the hottest team in the league before hitting a bump in the road when losing Cooper Kupp. Since then their offense has not quite flowed the same and Todd Gurley has been in and out of the lineup as well. Gurley looks to be healthy, but the offense is limited without Kupp.
It is mainly because Kupp is such a strong blocker that the team is elite running the ball with him. On top of that he is a great slot receiver, and Los Angeles can work play action to him easy in the middle of the field. He is a tight end in a wide receiver body.
Without him, the run game is not as dynamic and play action is not as fearful. This will be the matchup of the game because the Dallas linebackers have proven in recent weeks that they can shut down the run, but have been prone to losing on play action.
The Dallas will have to find a way to continue their run stuffing ways while also finding a way to avoid losing on play action.
They could get some help from their offense, though. Ezekiel Elliott has been a monster on the ground in recent weeks and takes on a Los Angeles defense that has been prone to giving up huge chunks on the ground. That could help keep the Los Angeles potent attack on the sideline while they maneuver up the field.
Dallas can run the ball and stop the run. It helps when the Los Angeles offense flows through the run and they struggle to stop the run. Look for Dallas to hang around in this game for a while.
Bet: Dallas +7.5, Under 49, LA Money Line
Final Score Prediction: LA 27, Dallas 21
