Dallas built preseason momentum as Milton III steered the offense, CeeDee Lamb leveraged frequent targets, and Micah Parsons anchored a disruptive defense. Jaydon Blue flashed explosive potential with a first‑quarter TD before an injury cooled his night, while Deuce Vaughn and Mazi Smith showed they can contribute right away. The Cowboys’ depth and Milton’s growth ahead of Week 1 offer clear fantasy implications, especially for Lamb and Parsons in standard leagues or IDP formats.

Atlanta offered flashes via Bralen Trice’s edge burst and Nathan Carter’s bursts, but Dallas looked like the more complete unit overall. Milton III’s continued development behind a veteran line, Lamb’s target share, and Parsons’ elite upside set the stage for early-season fantasy bets, with Milton’s role to watch closely in the coming weeks.

Dallas capped the preseason with a 31-13 win over Atlanta, spotlighting Jaydon Blue’s pro-ready burst and a confident Joe Milton-led drive that hinted at a deeper Cowboys backfield than expected. Blue opened by tackling the kickoff and finished with 9 carries for 25 yards, flashing a TD run and a noteworthy 13-yard gain that set up another score, while contributing on kickoff and punt teams. Milton’s improved calm and two total touchdowns give the Cowboys a rare QB depth cushion for late-roster decisions.

Dallas leaned into its pass-rush depth, with James Houston pressuring the pocket and mounting analytics for a 53-man roster debate about who stays at defensive end. Coach Brian Schottenheimer stressed that even a preseason win matters, and the lineup showed several healthy extenuating factors, including tackle-depth conversations with Adeniji and Richards sidelined but conceivable for Week 1. The result was a strong finish to preseason, setting the stage for a tougher opener and the ongoing evaluation of a mysterious RB rotation around Blue.

The Atlanta Falcons have made significant moves in their linebacker unit for the upcoming 2025 season. Kaden Elliss, a veteran linebacker, is set to take the helm of the inside linebacker group, supported by newcomers Divine Deablo and JD Bertrand, as well as Troy Andersen. With Nate Landman moving to the Los Angeles Rams, Deablo's acquisition from free agency is expected to bolster the defense considerably. The Falcons, having revamped other defensive positions, are banking on this trio to effectively anchor the linebacker core as they aim for a more competitive season.

The Atlanta Falcons are set to face the Denver Broncos without eight players, including key defensive starters. Cornerback Mike Hughes and nickel back Dee Alford are among those ruled out due to injuries, along with backup Antonio Hamilton Sr. Inside linebacker Troy Andersen is also sidelined after a knee injury, while rookie JD Bertrand will miss his third consecutive game due to a concussion.

Defensive linemen Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams are both out as well. However, the Falcons received positive updates with receiver Darnell Mooney returning from an Achilles tendon injury and center Drew Dalman back after a lengthy absence.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had been dealing with shoulder and elbow soreness, has been cleared to play following successful practices.