Fact or Fiction: Key matchups for Thanksgiving in Dallas

John Schmeelk: Fiction – Theo Johnson has recorded three or four catches in each of his last four games and between 25 and 51 receiving yards. He has been remarkably consistent. With the wide receiver corps currently healthy, I don’t foresee a big jump in targets or receptions coming this week. The Cowboys have been victimized by big plays from opposing receivers, but with DaRon Bland and possibly Trevon Diggs back from injury, that could change this week.

Dan Salomone: Fact – The rookie fourth-rounder has shown an ability to make big plays with receptions of at least 20 yards in three of his past four games. He’s also able to get open downfield. His average of 6.1 yards at catch ranks 13^th among all NFL tight ends.

Matt Citak: Fiction – Johnson has seen his role increase over the course of the season, especially in recent weeks. The rookie has been targeted six times in each of the last three games, catching 10 of those passes for a total of 127 yards. However, this week’s matchup does not bode well for his chances of setting a new career-high in yards, as the Cowboys have given up the fourth-fewest receptions and eighth-fewest receiving yards to the tight end position this season.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – I’m in “believe when I see it” mode when it comes to the Giants grabbing an interception. I felt it in my bones that it would happen last week and there was nothing (although Nubin did make one play on a ball, knocking it away from Mike Evans). Cooper Rush gets rid of the ball quickly and plays conservatively, so I don’t think he will throw it up for grabs.

Dan Salomone: Fact – He appeared on the injury report with a back issue, so that will be something to monitor. But the law of averages has to catch up, right? The Giants are still the only defense without multiple interceptions this season. Nubin had 13 of them in college. Something has to give.

Matt Citak: Fiction – In three games since taking over for the injured Dak Prescott as the starting quarterback, Cooper Rush has attempted 110 passes. While he has completed just 62.7 percent of those passes, Rush has only thrown one interception during that span. He’s coming off his best game of the season with a 75.0 completion percentage, 247 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, which earned him a 117.6 passer rating. Combine that with the Giants’ streak of 10 games without an interception, and it’s hard to see Nubin coming down with his first NFL interception in this week’s game.