NFL power rankings: 49ers stay even, Patriots fall entering Week 3

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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 16: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass against the New York Giants in the first quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

. W, 20-13 vs. Giants. Previous: . Dallas Cowboys. 16. team. 123

The Cowboys manage to climb a few spots in our NFL power rankings, although the somewhat-loft ascent has more to do with the teams behind them than anything Dallas did in particular.

That said, the Cowboys were smart on Sunday Night Football and realized they could win if they didn’t ask quarterback Dak Prescott to make high-risk, down-the-field throws over the majority of the game. Particularly with the lack of receiving weapons at Dallas’ disposal.

Prescott was effective enough, tossing for 160 yards on 16 completions with one touchdown. And despite the Giants performing much better on third downs (8-of-17 to Dallas’ 3-of-10 mark), the Cowboys ensured their running game would best that of the Giants’ Saquon Barkley and Co.

Dallas had 138 yards on the ground compared to New York’s 35. That was a difference maker.