The Carolina Panthers just pulled off the kind of comeback win that can reset a season. Their 17-point rally against Miami showed flashes of balance, belief, and a quarterback finally learning how to fight through mistakes. Now they face a measuring-stick game against a Dallas team that’s been inconsistent but dangerous. This one will reveal if Carolina’s growth was real or just a one-week spark. Here are five bold predictions for Panthers vs. Cowboys.
1. Bryce Young delivers his cleanest game of the season
Quarterback Bryce Young’s early turnovers have put the Panthers behind in several games, but when he plays under control, his accuracy and touch bring the offense to life. Against Miami, he showed improved pocket awareness and composure, completing 69 percent of his passes after halftime. This week, facing a Dallas defense that has allowed explosive plays on 12 percent of opponent passes, Young has a chance to build on that poise.
If he avoids early mistakes and continues to use play-action, Carolina’s offense can sustain drives. His growing chemistry with rookie Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette gives him reliable options in both short and intermediate zones. Expect two touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a passer rating north of 100. For a young quarterback learning on the fly, this performance would show tangible progress in Canales’ system.
2. Rico Dowdle hits 150 total yards and scores a touchdown
The Cowboys have struggled to contain backs who run decisively through zone and gap concepts. Carolina used a wide range of blocking looks against Miami, including whams, duos, and crack tosses that opened lanes for Dowdle to find rhythm and confidence. His blend of patience and burst fits perfectly against a Dallas defense that has surrendered more than five yards per carry in its last three outings.
Dowdle should again benefit from creative play-calling and misdirection, particularly if the Panthers stay committed to the run game early. Expect him to rush for around 120 yards and add another 30 through the air for a total of 150-plus yards. A short-yardage touchdown feels likely given Carolina’s recent red-zone execution. If Dowdle maintains that level of production, the Cowboys will be forced to load the box, giving Young clearer reads and open throwing windows downfield.
3) Jake Ferguson leads Dallas in receiving again
Tight end Jake Ferguson has become Prescott’s most reliable target, leading all NFL tight ends with 41 catches through five games. Carolina has struggled to contain the position, allowing 73 yards per game to opposing tight ends.
Dallas will attack those soft zones with play-action and quick seams, giving Ferguson room to operate. Expect around eight catches for 85 yards and a score as he continues to anchor the Cowboys’ passing game.
4) The Cowboys’ rushing offense stalls under 90 yards
Dallas ranks among the bottom third of the league in rushing efficiency, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry. Injuries across the offensive line have slowed their ability to get movement at the point of attack, forcing Prescott to throw on nearly 65 percent of downs. The Panthers’ defense, meanwhile, is trending upward after holding the Dolphins to just 19 rushing yards last week — their lowest total allowed since 2013.
Expect defensive tackles Derrick Brown and A’Shawn Robinson to control the interior gaps, while edge defenders like Nick Skorton and Brian Burns maintain disciplined contain. The result should be another strong run-stopping performance that limits Dallas to fewer than 90 rushing yards.
5) Carolina pushes Dallas to the final possession but falls short
This game should be close from start to finish. The Cowboys’ talent edge remains significant, but the Panthers are learning how to play complementary football. Carolina will likely control time of possession through Dowdle’s rushing and steady drives from Young, while the defense forces at least one critical takeaway. Dallas, however, has been sharp in the red zone, converting 63 percent of trips compared to Carolina’s 48 percent.
That difference may decide the outcome. Expect Dak Prescott to make one defining throw late to close out a tight contest.
