Zeke Elliot keeps rolling. Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys got a much-needed win on Sunday when they beat the Detroit Lions 35-27. It was important for them to get a win because their next two opponents are the New England Patriots (9-1) and the Buffalo Bills (7-3).
Recap
Once again the Cowboys spotted the opposition an early lead but were able to take control of the game by halftime. The coaching staff improved their play calling which helped keep them out of bad situations. The Dallas offense was unstoppable though the air as they totaled 434 yards (509 yards total) and 26 first downs.
Quarterback Dak Prescott was 29/46 for 444 yards, 3 touchdowns, and NO turnovers. This is the third game in a row he has thrown for at least 3 touchdowns and keeps showing why he deserves a big contract at the end of the season. Prescott connected with 7 different receivers, which included a duo of 100 yard pass catchers. They were led by 2nd year wide out Michael Gallup who caught 9 balls for 148 yards. Slot receiver Randall Cobb was second on the team with 4 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Superstar Amari Cooper only had 3 receptions for 38 yards but 2 of them were for 1st downs that led to a Cowboys score.
Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott only got 18 touches but he did not have to be the workhorse this week with Dak and Company having such success through the air. Zeke carried the ball 16 times for 45 yards and 1 touchdown. He also caught 2 balls for 28 yards and another touchdown.
Dallas improves to (6-4) and is in all alone in first place atop the NFC East. They are ahead of their division rival Philadelphia Eagles (5-5) who lost this past week.
3Things to Watch For
1.Ezekiel Elliott (Running Back): I can guarantee the coach Belichick will have the Patriots defense locked in on him. The Cowboys are going to have to come up with some creative ways to put Zeke is a position to succeed against the #1 defense in the NFL.
2.Randall Cobb (Wide Receiver): Has scored a touchdown in each of his last 2 games and should be in line for some more big plays this week with the New England defense having to worry about Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup.
3.Jason Garrett (Head Coach): Needs to have a good game plan and must be able to make adjustments during the game. Dallas is usually able to overcome coaching mistakes due to their talent on the field but this week could get out of hand early if Garrett is not properly prepared.
Coming Up
The Dallas Cowboys (6-4) will be on the road taking on the New England Patriots (9-1) at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Kickoff is set for 3:25 pm Central Time. The Cowboys are going to have to be at the top of their game if they want to beat the defending Super Bowl champs. Dak Prescott is going to have to be mistake free and keep the #1 offense in the NFL going.
If you have any fantasy players, the only must start players are:
Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott (RB), Amari Cooper (WR), Dak Prescott (QB), Michael Gallup (WR), Randall Cobb (WR)
Patriots: Julian Edelman (WR), Tom Brady (QB)
For you gamblers out there, the Cowboys are currently + 6.5 and the over/under is 46. The Cowboys haven't beaten any team with a current record over .500 and I am not sure if they will this week. It is a no play for me but if you have to play, I would lean on the under unless you can get Dallas at +7 or more.
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The Houston Astros wrapped up yet another series win this week, this time taking two of three from the struggling Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Despite missing several key players and a bullpen that wasn’t fully available, the Astros continued their recent run of success, pushing their record to 52-35.
Manager Joe Espada appeared to be playing the long game in the rubber match on Thursday. After Houston rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning, Espada stuck with reliever Jordan Weems instead of turning to his high-leverage arms. That decision, while frustrating to some fans hoping for the sweep, underscored the team’s cautious approach to workload management as they navigate a long season.
One bright spot continues to be rookie Cam Smith, who delivered again in the clutch with a two-run triple in the seventh inning on Thursday. Smith has been Houston’s most dependable bat with runners on base and is quickly settling into the cleanup role—a rarity for a first-year player but one he’s earned with his poise and production.
Astros cleanup hitter RBIs this season:
Cam Smith: 10 RBIs in 7 games
All others: 28 RBIs in 80 games
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) July 3, 2025
Off the field, the biggest storyline continues to be Yordan Alvarez’s injury. After reports surfaced that the slugger had experienced a setback in his return from a fractured hand, the team clarified that the issue is inflammation, not the fracture itself. Astros general manager Dana Brown said Alvarez received injections to address the irritation and is expected to rest for now. Encouragingly, the Astros say the fracture is no longer a concern, and while there’s still no definitive timeline for his return, the overall tone from the club was optimistic.
The transparency around Alvarez’s situation is part of a larger shift. After being criticized in recent seasons for vague injury updates, the Astros have begun issuing daily availability reports. It’s a move that signals the front office is trying to regain some trust with the media and fans after a stretch of frustrating ambiguity around player health.
Now, the Astros head to Los Angeles for a marquee matchup with the defending champion Dodgers. Friday’s opener will feature Lance McCullers Jr. making just his second start since returning from the injured list. McCullers gave up eight runs in his return against the Cubs and will be under the spotlight as he looks to settle back into form. Control will be the key, as walks have long been McCullers’ Achilles’ heel.
Saturday sets the stage for one of the most anticipated pitching matchups of the season: Framber Valdez versus Shohei Ohtani. With both teams fighting for positioning in their respective divisions, this weekend in LA should serve as a measuring stick—and perhaps a postseason preview.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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