COWBOY CORNER – WEEK 3 vs Panthers – Odds and Lines

The Cowboys’ NFL odds are up in the air a bit after Eli Manning’s heroics stole the first game at Cowboys Stadium in front of 100,000-plus fans. Tony Romo had “one of those games,” throwing three interceptions as Dallas fell to 1-1. This week, the pressure is on again in Monday Night Football, but the sports picks expert prognosis is much more positive for America’s Team against a mentally wounded Carolina squad.

Week 3 – CAROLINA PANTHERS @ DALLAS COWBOYS
Monday, September 28, 8:35 p.m. ET
Favorite: Cowboys -8.5

Cowboys offense vs Panthers defense

Whoever starts at halfback for the Cowboys will lick his chops right through to Monday’s kickoff. The Panthers’ run defense is porous, allowing 168 yards per game so far this season. Backs of all shapes and sizes – from Brian Westbrook to Michael Turner – have gashed Carolina. Even if Marion Barber can’t play, Tashard Choice excelled against elite run defenses late last season, so he’s more than ready to dominate. Same goes for Felix Jones, who has a good chance of hitting a home run Monday night.

Romo should also have a much easier time Monday, as the Panthers’ pass rush has been kitten-like, recording just two sacks in two games. Julius Peppers has drawn major criticism for his poor play. Romo should have time to spread the ball out to Jason Witten, Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton.

Cowboys defense vs Panthers offense

Simply put, Dallas’ defense has been a total bust entering NFL week 3 betting. After facing the Bucs and Giants, the Cowboys rank 30th in total defense. On the bright side, they should have an easier time against the mistake-prone Jake Delhomme and will be hungry for redemption after last week’s heartbreak. On the other hand, they’ll almost certainly have trouble against DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

The Cowboys have to hope they can jump out to an early lead and force the ball into Delhomme’s hands rather than see Williams and Stewart running the ball down their throat.

Outlook

The Cowboy defense remains a work in progress and may still allow a decent amount of points this week. After all, Tampa of all teams racked up yards against Dallas in week 1. However, the Panther defense is sagging badly. It seems to be weak everywhere right now, so the Cowboys should light up the score board. Betting software projects for America’s Team to cover the 8.5-spread and win a barn burner on Monday night.