NFL Week 7 – ATLANTA FALCONS @ DALLAS COWBOYS
Sunday, October 25, 4:15 p.m. ET
Favorite: Cowboys -4

Cowboys offense vs Falcons defense

As defendants, the Falcons have been pushed around like scared criminals on their first day in prison when it comes to the running game. Atlanta allows close to 120 yards per game and the Cowboys, whose offensive bread and butter has arguably been the running game in 2009, should have a big day. The Cowboys will throw a bit of everything at the Atlanta D-line: Marion Barber for power, returning Felix Jones for explosiveness and versatile Tashard Choice for a bit of everything.

No quarterback has totally torched the Atlanta pass defense but everyone has at least moved the ball decently, so Tony Romo’s NFL odds of succeeding are solid. Atlanta’s pass rush is puppy-dog-weak, so Romo should have plenty of time to hit Miles Austin downfield, as he did against the Chiefs two weeks ago.

Cowboys defense vs Falcons offense

There’s definitely reason to panic here. The Cowboys rank in the NFL’s bottom half in total defense, run defense and especially pass defense. That’s after facing Tampa Bay, Carolina and Kansas City plus the Giants and Denver. Arguably, the Giants are the only prolific offense Dallas has played; the Broncos rock but have dominated primarily through defense. If the Cowboys struggle to stop weaker offenses, it’s scary to imagine what the high-octane Falcons can do.

The Cowboys have lost their pass rushing ability after leading the league in that regard last season. If any Joe Blow Fafone can throw on the Cowboys, Matt Ryan could put on a show with favorite targets Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White. If the Cowboys’ pass defense buckles down – and it has in recent weeks – Ryan can still hand off to bruising Michael Turner. Dallas needs its best defensive performance of the season to stay competitive.

Outlook

In this disappointing season, the Cowboys need to earn back our trust. Unfortunately, the Falcons look like a better football team right now – just like the Yankees’ World Series odds over the Angels. I think they’ll edge Dallas in a hard-fought affair this Sunday with Matt Ryan making the difference.

Spread provided by BetOnline.com

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.

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.