Redskins Cowboys Odds
Posted by Steve Janus - Google+
The NFC East title will be up for grabs when the Washington Redskins host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. For the Cowboys this is their only shot at making the playoffs, while the Redskins could still get in with a loss if both Chicago and Minnesota lose. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 EST at FedEx Field and will be televised nationally on NBC. Oddsmakers currently have Washington listed as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 48.5 points.
Why Dallas Will Cover:
Despite a heartbreaking 31-34 overtime loss at home to the Saints this past weekend, Dallas is still just one win away from winning the NFC East. The Cowboys have really came alive in the second half of the season. They are 5-2 over their last seven games, thanks in large part to the emergence of a number of players who weren’t even a factor early in the year. Each of the Cowboys last 5 losses have come by a touchdown or less, including four by five points or fewer.
While the Cowboys suffered a 31-38 home loss to the Redskins back on Thanksgiving Day, they almost pulled off a remarkable comeback. Dallas went into the half trailing 3-28, but a furious rally had them down just 28-35 with just over 8 minutes to play in the 4th quarter. There’s no question they are going to come into this game extremely confident after what they were able to do in the 2nd half.
The Redskins have been one of the big surprises this season, due in large part to the play of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. His lack of big game experience is something you can’t ignore in this matchup. I don’t think there’s any doubt this is the biggest game RGII has ever played in. While Washington’s starting quarterback could struggle with the pressure, the Cowboys Tony Romo has really matured over the years and I think it’s time he delivers when it matters the most.
Why Washington Will Cover:
The Redskins are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. Washington extended their current winning streak to six with a 27-20 victory at Philadelphia last week. Whatever head coach Mike Shanahan told his players during their bye week worked. The Redskins were just 3-6 prior to their bye and are a perfect 6-0 since.
While it may appear that Cowboys figured out Washington in the 2nd half of that first meeting, you can’t overlook the fact that they went into the half thinking this game was over. Washington scored a touchdown on all four of their possessions in the second quarter and had a 260 to 123 advantage in total yards. I don’t think we will see the Redskins letting up in this one.
If you are thinking about betting Washington in this game, I strongly advise waiting till Sunday. If the Bears lose at Detroit and the Vikings stumble at home against Green Bay, Washington will have already locked up a playoff spot. While they will certainly still be motivated to get a win and secure a home game in the first round, their sense of urgency will definitely drop a few notches knowing it doesn’t matter if they win or lose this game.
Washington is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs the NFC East, while the Cowboys are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 division games.
Leave a Reply