Cowboy Corner – Week 2 vs Giants – Odds and Lines
September 18, 2009 by Guest Contributor · Leave a Comment
Time for us NFL betting fans to turn over a new leaf here at Dallas Sports Fans. The Cowboys season is underway and, while we have plenty of news sources to keep us up to date on everything to do with Jerry Jones’ boys, how do the Cowboys shape up week-to-week from a betting perspective? Whether you’re a big sportsbook player, simply running an office pool or just a fan of farmer’s bets with friends, everyone wants the inside edge on how their favorite team will do. Let’s break down Week 2 for the Cowboys.
- Week 2 – NEW YORK GIANTS @ DALLAS COWBOYS
- Sunday, September 20, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX
- Favorite: Cowboys -2.5
Cowboys offense vs Giants defense
Tony Romo and the Cowboy offense, thought to be a wild card without Terrell Owens this season, passed their first test in Week 1…and then some. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tony Romo posted a career-high 353 yards and connected on a career-long 80-yard score with Patrick Crayton. Perhaps most importantly, his reportedly improved rapport with Roy Williams lived up to the hype, as the two combined for three completions, 86 yards and a score. The running game didn’t dazzle but was as good as it needed to be.
Cowboys fans have to temper their expectations slightly entering NFL Week 2 matchups, as the Giants are much more ferocious than the Bucs. Osi Umenyiora was a force last week against Washington, stripping Jason Campbell and returning the fumble for a touchdown. Romo still makes the odd mistake when pressured and that could happen against the Giants. Then again, New York should still be missing cornerback Aaron Ross. If Romo gets enough protection, he could burn the secondary for some big plays.
Cowboys defense vs Giants offense
The Giants’ offense wasn’t overly impressive last week. Eli Manning spread the ball out to his ragtag group of wideouts pretty well but the Giants couldn’t establish the run as Albert Haynesworth and co. stuffed Brandon Jacobs. The Giants will have more success this week unless the Cowboys tighten up, as the Bucs of all teams gouged Dallas for 450 yards. The Cowboys couldn’t even sack the statuesque Byron Leftwich. They simply have to be better to warrant being chosen as NFL picks this week.
Outlook
It’s hard to imagine America’s team losing the first game in its gorgeous new stadium. Expect the “D” to be fired up and outdo its Week 1 performance. Betting services predict that Dallas will win a close one and just cover the spread; red-hot Nick Folk’s kicking could be the deciding factor.
