Atlanta Falcons Vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

The Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys matchup on November 3, 2024, was a thrilling Week 9 NFL clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons secured a 27-21 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive resilience against a struggling Cowboys squad. This article dives deep into the player stats, key performances, and game-changing moments, offering a comprehensive analysis for NFL fans, fantasy football enthusiasts, and sports bettors. With detailed stats, actionable insights, and SEO-optimized content, let’s break down what made this game a standout in the 2024 NFL season.

Game Overview: Falcons Soar, Cowboys Stumble

The Falcons (6-3) solidified their NFC South lead with a hard-fought win over the Cowboys (3-5), who suffered their third straight loss. Atlanta’s quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered a masterclass, while Dallas faced setbacks with injuries to key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The game was a tale of clutch performances, costly mistakes, and a Falcons defense that stepped up when it mattered most.

Why This Game Matters:

• The Falcons proved they can compete with playoff-caliber teams.

• Dallas’s loss raised questions about their postseason hopes and coaching decisions.

• Player stats from this game are critical for fantasy football and betting analysis.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys

Below is a detailed table summarizing the standout player performances from both teams, focusing on passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive stats. All data is sourced from ESPN and NFL.com for accuracy.

Quick Take: Cousins’ near-perfect passing and Robinson’s dual-threat performance were pivotal for Atlanta. Dallas showed fight with Dowdle’s efficient rushing, but Prescott’s injury shifted momentum.

Offensive Breakdown: Falcons’ Precision vs. Cowboys’ Struggles

Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins Shines

Kirk Cousins was the game’s MVP, completing 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns. His 144.8 passer rating underscored his command of the offense, especially during a streak of 13 consecutive completions.

• Touchdown Passes:

  • 9 yards to Drake London (1st quarter).

  • 36 yards to Darnell Mooney (2nd quarter).

  • 11 yards to Ray-Ray McCloud (3rd quarter).

• Key Moment: Mooney’s 36-yard TD came after a Cowboys’ defensive miscommunication, leaving him wide open.

Bijan Robinson complemented Cousins with a career-best 26 touches, amassing 145 scrimmage yards. His versatility as a runner and receiver kept Dallas’ defense guessing.

Dallas Cowboys: Injury Woes Derail Offense

Dak Prescott started strong, completing 75% of his passes for 133 yards and a touchdown before a hamstring injury forced him out in the fourth quarter. Cooper Rush stepped in, leading an 86-yard drive capped by a 4-yard TD pass to Jalen Tolbert, but it wasn’t enough.

• Rico Dowdle’s Impact: Dowdle averaged 6.25 yards per carry, providing a spark with 75 rushing yards. His 3-yard TD catch was a highlight.

• CeeDee Lamb’s Grit: Despite a shoulder injury, Lamb returned to finish with 8 catches and a two-point conversion.

Insight: The Cowboys’ seven pre-snap penalties and 3/13 third-down conversions crippled their offense, while the Falcons capitalized on Dallas’ mistakes.

Defensive Highlights: Falcons’ Sack Party, Cowboys’ Miscues

Atlanta Falcons: Stepping Up on Third Downs

The Falcons’ defense, previously criticized for a league-worst six sacks through eight weeks, exploded for three sacks on Prescott. Kaden Elliss and Grady Jarrett were disruptive, combining for 10 tackles and two sacks.

• Key Play: On a critical third-and-1, Jarrett and Nate Landman stuffed Rico Dowdle, forcing a failed fourth-down attempt by Lamb.

• Takeaway: Atlanta’s ability to stop Dallas on third downs (3/13) and fourth downs (1/5) was a game-changer.

Dallas Cowboys: Defensive Lapses Prove Costly

The Cowboys’ defense struggled with communication, most notably on Mooney’s 36-yard touchdown, where three defensive backs collided, leaving him uncovered. Carl Lawson provided a bright spot with a strip-sack on Cousins, but the offense couldn’t capitalize.

Stat to Note: Dallas allowed 310 total yards to Atlanta, despite holding the Falcons to 3.3 yards per rush.

Special Teams and Game-Changing Moments

• Falcons’ Kicker Younghoe Koo: Went 3/3 on extra points, stabilizing Atlanta’s scoring drives.

• Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey: Nailed a 34-yard field goal, but a failed onside kick attempt sealed Dallas’ fate.

• Turning Point: Atlanta’s recovery of Dallas’ onside kick with under two minutes left ensured the victory.

Fantasy Football Insights: Who Stood Out?

For fantasy football players, this game offered valuable takeaways:

• Start Kirk Cousins: His consistent multi-TD games (third of the season) make him a reliable QB1.

• Bijan Robinson’s Rise: With 145 scrimmage yards, Robinson is a must-start RB, especially in PPR leagues.

• Darnell Mooney’s Breakout: Mooney’s 88 yards and a TD signal his growing role in Atlanta’s offense.

• Dak Prescott’s Injury Risk: Monitor his hamstring MRI results, as Cooper Rush may start in Week 10.

Tip: Check injury reports before setting Week 10 lineups, as Prescott and Lamb’s status could impact Dallas’ offense.

Betting Takeaways: What the Stats Tell Us

The Falcons were 3-point favorites with a 52-point over/under. Atlanta covered the spread, but the game stayed under the total.

• Moneyline: Falcons (-162) won, implying a 62.4% win probability. Cowboys (+136) failed to upset.

• Against the Spread (ATS): Atlanta improved to 1-2 ATS as 3-point favorites, while Dallas is 0-3 ATS as underdogs.

• Over/Under: Only 48 points were scored, continuing Dallas’ trend of hitting the over in 5/8 games.

Betting Tip: Favor teams with stable QB play (like Cousins) over injury-prone offenses (like Dallas) in future matchups.

What Were the Biggest Game-Changing Plays?

• Mooney’s 36-Yard TD: A defensive lapse by Dallas handed Atlanta a 14-3 lead.

• Prescott’s Injury: His exit in the fourth quarter shifted momentum to Atlanta.

• Failed Fake Punt: Dallas’ ill-advised fake punt in the third quarter gave Atlanta prime field position.

Featured Snippet Answer: The biggest game-changing play was Darnell Mooney’s 36-yard touchdown catch, exploiting a Cowboys’ defensive miscommunication to give Atlanta a commanding lead.

How Did Injuries Impact the Game?

Injuries played a significant role:

• Falcons: Drake London left in the first quarter with a hip injury, but Mooney and McCloud filled the void.

• Cowboys: Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury and CeeDee Lamb’s shoulder issue disrupted Dallas’ rhythm.

Practical Tip: Follow team injury reports on platforms like ESPN or NFL.com for real-time updates before betting or setting fantasy lineups.

Historical Context: Falcons vs. Cowboys Rivalry

The Cowboys lead the all-time series 18-11, but Atlanta has won three of the last five meetings. The 2024 game added to the rivalry’s intensity, with Atlanta’s home victory echoing their 2017 upset (27-7).

Stat to Know: Atlanta has outscored Dallas by just 6 points across their last five games, highlighting the competitiveness of this matchup.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?

• Falcons: Travel to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 10, aiming to stay atop the NFC South (4-0 in division play).

• Cowboys: Host the Philadelphia Eagles, needing a win to keep playoff hopes alive. Prescott’s MRI results will be critical.

Fan Tip: Stream the next games on FOX or NFL+ to catch every play live.

See Also: fballquery.com

Conclusion

The Atlanta Falcons’ 27-21 victory over the Dallas Cowboys was a statement win, driven by Kirk Cousins’ precision, Bijan Robinson’s versatility, and a revitalized defense. For Dallas, injuries and miscues highlighted a team in need of answers. This game’s stats offer a treasure trove for fans, fantasy players, and bettors, revealing trends and opportunities for the rest of the 2024 season.