The Cowboys boast a new play-caller this year in offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, and the predictive model expects their pass/run mix to tilt 2.5% more towards passing than it did last year (context-neutralized).
The model projects this game to have the most plays run among all games this week at 135.6 plays, accounting for the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.
The Cowboys have run the 7th-most plays in the NFL since the start of last season, averaging a monstrous 60.8 plays per game.
This game will be played in a dome—meaning zero wind, higher pass volume, higher TD potential, and increased passing efficiency.
Opposing quarterbacks have averaged 37.0 pass attempts per game against the New England Patriots defense since the start of last season: 3rd-most in the league.
Cons
The Cowboys are a heavy 7-point favorite this week, likely creating an extreme rushing game script.
The model projects the Dallas Cowboys to be the 9th-least pass-heavy team in the NFL (adjusted for context) at the moment with a 59.1% pass rate.
Jake Ferguson’s sure-handedness have tailed off this season, with his Completion% shrinking from 84.5% to 59.4%.
Jake Ferguson’s pass-game effectiveness has diminished this season, averaging a mere 4.98 yards-per-target vs a 8.06 figure last season.
The New England Patriots defense has allowed the 4th-fewest receiving yards per game in the league (just 37.0) vs. TEs since the start of last season.