Week 5’s early window features a marquee inter-conference tilt as the Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1) travel to MetLife Stadium to battle the winless New York Jets (0-4). Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. The Cowboys aim to build on a dramatic Week 4 overtime tie against the Packers, while the Jets desperately seek their first victory after four straight defeats, including a 21-27 road loss to Miami. With Dallas’ high-powered passing attack facing New York’s leaky secondary, this could explode into a shootout—or fizzle amid mounting injuries on both sides.
Dallas Cowboys: Star Power Seeks Consistency
The Cowboys are 1-2-1 after a wild 40-40 OT tie with Green Bay in Week 4, following a 40-37 OT win over the Giants in Week 2 sandwiched between losses to the Eagles (24-20) and Bears (31-14). Offensively, they rank top 10 in passing (280 YPG) but bottom-15 in rushing (110 YPG), averaging 28.3 PPG. Defensively, they’ve forced 6 turnovers but allowed 25.5 PPG, ranking 18th in EPA per play. Big D is 2-1-1 ATS but and gone over in all four games.
- Dak Prescott (QB): League-leading 1,119 passing yards (70.5% completion), 8 TDs, and 3 INTs (279.8 YPG), plus 45 rushing yards. His quick release (8.5 YPA) has produced 250+ yards every outing.
Injuries mount: WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle, questionable), S Malik Hooker (toe, limited), OT Tyler Guyton (concussion, out), G Tyler Booker (ankle, limited), RB Miles Sanders (knee/ankle, out), and G Tyler Smith (knee, questionable). The O-line’s woes (12 sacks allowed) could expose Prescott to the Jets’ front.
New York Jets: Desperate for a Spark
The Jets limp into Week 5 at 0-4 after a 21-27 defeat at Miami, capping losses to an unspecified Week 1 foe (32-34), Buffalo (10-30), and Tampa Bay (27-29). They’ve scored just 22.5 PPG (bottom-10) while allowing 30.0 (bottom-5), with a pass-heavy attack (245 YPG) but feeble run game (85 YPG). Defensively, they’re top 5 in sacks (12) but 28th in points allowed, forcing only 4 turnovers. Robert Saleh’s squad is 1-3 ATS and 0-4 SU, desperate for a home bounce-back.
Players active in all four games:
- Justin Fields (QB): Steady hand with 892 passing yards (65.2% completion), 5 TDs, and 4 INTs (223 YPG), plus 112 rushing yards and 1 score (28 YPC). His mobility adds a wrinkle, but sacks (10) highlight protection issues.
- Breece Hall (RB): Dynamic lead with 298 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and 2 TDs, plus 110 receiving yards and 1 score; 15 first downs underscore his versatility.
- Garrett Wilson (WR): Explosive target with 28 catches for 345 yards and 3 TDs (12.3 YPC), leading with 18 first downs.
- Quinnen Williams (DT): Interior menace with 15 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery; his 20% pressure rate disrupts pockets.
Injuries plague: CB Michael Carter II (concussion, out), DE Jermaine Johnson (ankle, limited), RB Kene Nwangwu (hamstring, out), TE Mason Taylor (ankle, limited), and RB Braelon Allen (knee, questionable). The secondary takes a hit without Carter II.
| Key Team Stats (2025 Season) | Cowboys | Jets |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (Off/Def) | 28.3 / 25.5 | 22.5 / 30.0 |
| Total Yards Per Game (Off/Def) | 390 / 365 | 330 / 380 |
| Passing Yards Per Game (Off/Def) | 280 / 220 | 245 / 260 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game (Off/Def) | 110 / 145 | 85 / 120 |
| Turnovers Forced/Given | 6 / 7 | 4 / 8 |
(Data aggregated from ESPN and Pro-Football-Reference; both teams 4 games.)
Key Matchups and Betting Angles
- Prescott vs. Jets Front: Williams’ 3 sacks could feast on Dallas’ battered O-line (12 sacks allowed), but without Johnson fully healthy, Prescott’s volume (166 attempts, NFL lead) shines. Cowboys 3-1 ATS as road favorites.
- Fields/Hall vs. Cowboys Secondary: Trevon Diggs’ coverage (top 10 in PDs) targets Wilson. Jets 0-4 SU but 2-2 ATS at home.
- Trends: Dallas 2-1-1 ATS, over in 4/4; Jets 1-3 ATS, under in 3/4. Public 65% on Cowboys, but models flag the total’s value amid injuries.