If it feels like this Sunday's matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team has a little more juice behind it than usual, well, Mike McCarthy just threw another log on the fire.
The Dallas head coach is guaranteeing a victory for his squad over Washington on Sunday, telling reporters Thursday afternoon, "We're going to win this game. I'm confident in that."
The stakes are certainly higher than most years as the Cowboys — four-point favorites to win on the road — travel to Washington's FedEx Field. Dallas is a well-rested 8-4, coming off a 27-17 Thursday Night victory over the Saints, and has sole possession of first place in the NFC East.
After rallying from four straight losses before its Week 9 bye, Washington — coming off consecutive 17-15 thrillers against Seattle and Las Vegas — has won four straight, now 6-6 with a spot in the playoffs and fighting for more.
A Dallas victory would put some distance between the Cowboys and second-place Washington. A Washington victory would pull the Football Team within striking distance of Dallas, leaving only a one-win gap between the two in the division. Washington would also have a shot at overtaking Dallas in the NFC East when they meet again two weeks later.
On the idea of providing bulletin board material for Washington, McCarthy said, "What am I supposed to say? I fully expect to win every game I've ever competed in...They're working hard, we're working hard."
"But we're clearly planning on going to Washington and winning the game," McCarthy said. "There's no doubt about that."
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