Folks, strap in, because we’re headin’ to AT&T Stadium for a Friday night showdown that’s got all the makings of a classic preseason slugfest! It’s the Atlanta Falcons takin’ on the Dallas Cowboys, August 22, 2025, kickin’ off at 8:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Both teams are sittin’ at 0-2, lookin’ to avoid that dreaded winless preseason, and let me tell ya, this one’s about more than just the score. It’s the bubble guys, the rookies, the undrafted free agents fightin’ for a roster spot, layin’ it all on the line like it’s fourth-and-goal with the game on the line. Boom! That’s the heart of this matchup – raw hustle and big dreams under those Texas lights. The Falcons are comin’ off losses to the Lions and Titans, while the Cowboys got roughed up by the Rams and Ravens. Let’s break it down like we’re callin’ it from the booth, with that Troy Aikman precision and John Madden passion.
Falcons’ Side: Searchin’ for a Spark
The Falcons are hungry for a win after a tough preseason start. They dropped a 17-10 heartbreaker to the Lions in Week 1, where the offense showed flashes but couldn’t sustain drives. Last week’s 23-20 loss to the Titans was closer, with backup QB Easton Stick goin’ 15-for-18 for 149 yards and a touchdown, but the defense let a late lead slip. Starters like Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins are sittin’ this one out, so it’s Stick and newcomer Ben DiNucci – a former Cowboy, no less – takin’ snaps. That’s a juicy storyline right there: DiNucci facin’ his old team, lookin’ to prove he’s roster-worthy.
What’s got me watchin’ is the run game and secondary battles. Rookie RB Nathan Carter’s been a bright spot, rushin’ for 63 yards and a score against Tennessee, and he’ll get plenty of carries to show he’s more than a practice squad guy. At wideout, the depth chart’s crowded, but Chris Blair and David Sills are fightin’ for that last spot – Blair’s touchdown grab last week raised eyebrows. Defensively, the Falcons have been solid, holdin’ opponents to 40 points across two games, but injuries to Kaleb McGary (knee, questionable) and Darnell Mooney (shoulder, doubtful) could test the offense’s cohesion. The secondary, with young guys like Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., needs to tighten up after givin’ up some chunk plays. Special teams could be huge – rookie kicker Riley Patterson’s in a tight battle with Younghoe Koo, and a big night could seal his spot. Atlanta’s desperate to avoid an 0-3 finish, especially with a healthy defense ready to make a statement.
Cowboys’ Side: Findin’ Rhythm in Big D
The Cowboys, meanwhile, are lookin’ to get that home crowd roarin’ after a rough preseason. A 31-21 loss to the Rams in Week 1 showed some offensive pop but defensive lapses, and last week’s 31-13 home defeat to the Ravens was a wake-up call – former Cowboy Cooper Rush carved ‘em up for a touchdown. Dak Prescott’s sittin’ this one out, so it’s Joe Milton III and Will Grier under center, with Milton still tryin’ to lock down the QB2 job after a shaky preseason (26-for-47, 265 yards, one TD, two picks). Jerry Jones loves the spotlight, and you know he’s pushin’ these guys to show some fight at home.
The run game’s a big focus – rookie Jaydon Blue’s back from a heel injury and could bring some juice, while Phil Mafah and Miles Sanders are battlin’ for the final RB spot. At receiver, Jalen Tolbert’s got the WR3 job on lock, but Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks are scrappin’ for depth roles with Jonathan Mingo sidelined (hamstring, questionable). Defensively, the Cowboys have depth issues at corner and D-tackle – injuries to Trevon Diggs (knee, doubtful) and Caelen Carson (knee, questionable) mean Kaiir Elam and Zion Childress are gettin’ big reps. The pass rush, though, is a strength, rackin’ up 21 pressures last week, and they’ll look to rattle Atlanta’s QBs. Special teams could swing it – Brandon Aubrey’s been automatic on field goals, and a big return from KaVontae Turpin could spark the crowd. After two losses, Dallas is itchin’ to end on a high note before the regular season grind.
Key Matchups and Game-Changing Factors
Boom! This game’s gonna come down to a few gritty battles. The Cowboys’ pass rush against Atlanta’s makeshift O-line is huge – without McGary, Stick and DiNucci could be runnin’ for their lives if Dallas brings heat. On the flip side, the Falcons’ run defense versus Dallas’ ground game – if Blue or Mafah break loose, they could control the clock and keep Atlanta’s offense sidelined. Turnovers are another X-factor; Milton’s thrown picks, and Atlanta’s secondary is hungry for takeaways.
Weather in Arlington should be clear inside the dome, so no excuses for sloppy play. The home crowd at Jerry World, even in preseason, brings energy that could lift the ‘Boys, but Atlanta’s got that underdog fight to avoid an 0-3 skid. With roster cuts loomin’ on August 26, every snap’s a job interview – expect high effort but maybe some penalties from overeager rookies. Special teams could steal the show; a blocked kick or long return might flip momentum in a game where backups dominate. Oh, and DiNucci facin’ his old team? That’s the kinda personal fire that could lead to a big play or a costly mistake.
Final Prediction
Alright, straight talk: The Cowboys’ home-field juice and pass rush give ‘em the edge, but Atlanta’s scrappy defense keeps it close. I’m callin’ Dallas to pull out a 23-16 win, coverin’ the spread as the Falcons struggle to score with backups.
3 Best Bets
- Cowboys Moneyline (-148): Dallas is 0-2 but playin’ at home with a chip on their shoulder. They’re the safer bet to get their first win.
- Under 35.5 Total Points (-109): Both offenses have been shaky, averagin’ under 20 points per game in preseason. Expect a low-scorin’ grind with backups callin’ the shots.
- Cowboys -2.5 (-113): Dallas’ pass rush and home energy should lead to a field-goal margin win, coverin’ the spread against Atlanta’s depleted offense.
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