Dallas Cowboys Week 18 Preview

Introduction

As we wrap up Week 17 and look ahead to Week 18, the Dallas Cowboys have certainly given us a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Coming off a nail-biting victory against the Detroit Lions, where the Cowboys edged out a 20-19 win, we can glean some valuable insights from the stats that will shape our expectations for the upcoming matchup. With the playoffs on the horizon, it’s crucial to analyze our performance metrics and see how we stack up against the competition. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s dive into the numbers!

Power Ranking

The Cowboys currently sit at an impressive power ranking of 2, boasting a win rate of 74.0% against a median opponent. This is a testament to our resilience and ability to perform under pressure. However, it’s crucial to remember that power rankings can be fickle; while we’re riding high now, a slip-up in the playoffs could send us tumbling down the ranks. We need to maintain our focus and continue to execute at a high level to keep that ranking intact.

Overall Drive Efficiency

Our overall drive efficiency has been stellar, ranking 5th in the league. This metric indicates that we are adept at moving the ball downfield and converting drives into points. In Week 17, we gained 384 yards, which is commendable, but we also had two turnovers that could have easily swung the game in favor of the Lions. As we head into Week 18, it’s imperative that we sharpen our execution and minimize those costly mistakes. After all, efficiency is key, and we want to be the team that finishes drives with touchdowns rather than turnovers.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

On the defensive side, we find ourselves ranked 21st in defensive drive efficiency. This is a bit concerning, especially considering the number of yards we allowed against the Lions (420 yards). While we managed to secure the win, our defense needs to step up and tighten the screws. We can’t afford to let opposing offenses dictate the pace of the game, especially as we approach the playoffs. A strong defense is often the backbone of a championship team, and we must improve our ability to stifle drives and force our opponents into unfavorable situations.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

On a brighter note, our offensive drive efficiency ranks 4th in the league. This is a clear indication that our offense is firing on all cylinders, capable of moving the chains and creating scoring opportunities. However, we must remain vigilant. The Lions allowed us to gain significant yardage, but we need to ensure that we’re not just moving the ball, but doing so effectively and consistently. The ability to sustain drives and convert on critical third downs will be crucial as we prepare for our next opponent.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

Our defensive turnover efficiency is nothing short of phenomenal, ranking 1st in the league. This means we have a knack for generating turnovers and creating opportunities for our offense. In Week 17, we didn’t force any turnovers, which is a bit of an anomaly for us. We need to get back to our bread-and-butter approach of creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks and snatching the ball away when the opportunity arises. A strong turnover margin can be the difference between winning and losing, especially in the playoffs.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On the other side of the ball, our offensive turnover efficiency also ranks 1st, which is a fantastic achievement. It means we’re doing an excellent job of protecting the football and minimizing mistakes. However, two turnovers in Week 17 remind us that we can’t take this for granted. As we move forward, maintaining this efficiency will be crucial in keeping our offense humming and taking pressure off our defense. We want to be the team that capitalizes on opportunities, not one that gives them away.

Drive Time

Our drive time ranks 12th in the league, indicating that we’re not the fastest team on the field, but we’re certainly effective in our approach. We’re taking an average amount of time to move the ball, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While it allows us to maintain possession and control the clock, we need to be wary of getting too complacent. In the playoffs, every second counts, and we must ensure we’re maximizing our opportunities while minimizing wasted time.

Preview For Next Week

Looking ahead to Week 18, the Cowboys are set to face the Washington Commanders. With the Cowboys favored by 13.5 points and an over/under of 45.5 points, the simulations predict a common final score of 34-17 in favor of the Cowboys. Our offense will need to capitalize on this opportunity to showcase our strengths while our defense must step up to contain the Commanders’ offensive threats. The Commanders are no slouches, and we cannot underestimate them. If we can maintain our offensive efficiency while tightening up our defensive performance, we should be in a strong position to secure another victory and build momentum heading into the playoffs.

Conclusion

As we prepare for Week 18, the Cowboys have a lot to be proud of, but there’s always room for improvement. By focusing on our drive efficiency, minimizing turnovers, and tightening our defense, we can position ourselves for success in the playoffs. Let’s keep the momentum going and show the league that the Dallas Cowboys are a force to be reckoned with.

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Dallas Cowboys' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.