• Reporters, columnists and editors from The Dallas Morning News offer their forecast

It’s time for Cooper Rush and predictions for Sunday’s game between the Cowboys and Bengals at AT&T Stadium.

With Dak Prescott out for at least the next few weeks, Rush hopes to get the Cowboys’ offense back on track in Week 2 against the reigning AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals.

Can Dallas respond to a poor offensive performance in Week 1 against the Buccaneers?

Our panel of columnists, beat writers, and special contributors make predictions for the matchup below.

Tim Cowlishaw

The Cowboys probably would have been better off if the Bengals kicked the extra point against Pittsburgh and won in regulation last week while playing poorly. Still, Cincinnati was nothing like last year’s Super Bowl team and has an offensive line the Cowboys would have to destroy in order to chase Joe Burrow. Does Dallas have enough offense to get to 20 points and win the game? It feels like a game where the Cowboys and special teams lead the way and the offense mostly stays out of trouble in a close win.

Prediction: Cowboys 19 – Bengals 17

Michael Gehlken

The Cowboys have to be better offensively this week, even with their quarterback trade. But he seems too bold to predict based on what was seen in Week 1 and the inexperience in many of his lanes.

Prediction: Bengals 24 – Cowboys 20

Damon Marx

Week 1 was a huge embarrassment. Jerry Jones said it was the second-worst opening game since he owned the Cowboys. He characterized his 1989 team, which was shut out in its first game, as a high school team. So that’s the measuring stick for this group. Against the Bengals, the Cowboys’ opportunistic defense will keep them close, but how many times will he need to score to make up for an offense that doesn’t walk? Whatever the number, it’s too tall a task.

Prediction: Bengals 17 – Cowboys 13

David Moore

If Mike McCarthy loses the first game, his teams rarely follow up with another loss. McCarthy’s teams are 5-1 over the course of his career after stumbling early in the season. Dallas’ defense is good, very good, and they’re facing a Cincinnati group that left doubts in Week 1. It’s not inconceivable that the Cowboys could win.

Prediction: Bengals 20, Cowboys 13

Kevin Sherrington

The last time Cooper Rush started a game, it worked out pretty well for the Cowboys. But in beating Minnesota, he also benefited from the presence of Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson and a fully functional offensive line. There are no such benefits this time. If Rush pulls this off, I say we name a band after him.

Prediction: Bengals 24, Cowboys 10

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