NFL Week 3 Preview: Cowboys at Texans

The Dallas Cowboys have put themselves in a big hole to start out the 2010 NFL Season. This year’s schedule was already tough, but now it is looking even tougher. Falling 0-2 on the year greatly diminishes the chances of the Cowboys making the playoffs. The Cowboys will travel down to Houston this week to play the undefeated Texans.

The Texans struggled against the Redskins, much the same as the Cowboys did however they were able to win the game in overtime. The Cowboys haven’t been blown out, they have lost two close games because of costly mistakes. Is this the week they can redeem themselves? I’m not sure, but tune into FOX at noon on Sunday to find out. The announcers for the Fox TV Channel will be Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. Injury & Game information below.

Dallas Cowboys vs Houston Texans Preview | TV Channel – TV Announcers – Odds – Spreads

• Cowboys at Texans Day/Date: Sunday – September 26th 2010
• Cowboys at Texans Location: Reliant Stadium – Houston, TX
• Cowboys at Texans TV Kickoff: 12:00 Noon (Central Time)
• Cowboys at Texans TV Channel: FOX
• Cowboys at Texans TV Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman
• Cowboys at Texans Odds / Spread: Texans -3 / 47

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Cowboy Corner: Divisional Playoff Betting

COWBOY CORNER – Divisional Playoffs: Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings

Super Bowl Odds: Cowboys +705

Sunday, January 17, 1:00 p.m. ET

5Dimes Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Vikings -3

Cowboys offense vs Vikings defense

Normally, the Minnesota Vikings defense would be a very tough matchup for the Cowboys but this unit has not been as strong as it was in the early parts of the year.

The Vikings were thrashed by the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears down the stretch of the season, which really opened some eyes.

It’s typically tough to run on the Vikings up the middle but the Cowboys offensive line has been very good in the last month of the season. Don’t be too surprised if the Cowboys find some running room.

Beyond that, the Vikings really miss their middle linebacker, E.J. Henderson, who is out for the season, and backup Jasper Brinkley has been exposed in coverage regularly. On top of that, the safety situation for Minnesota is a question mark as both starters have underachieved and the teams top cornerback, Antoine Winfield, is dealing with a foot injury.

The Cowboys could be the hottest offense – and team – left in the playoffs. While the Vikings could probably beat them on a good day, the question is will the Vikings have a good day? The Cowboys have sloped upwards in the last month of the season while the Vikings defense has sloped down. They better hope the bye week got them on track.

Cowboys defense vs Vikings offense

The Cowboys defense will face a different challenge this week: beating a team that runs the ball. The last few opponents that Dallas has played haven’t bother running it too much but the Vikings will try. The question is will they have any success?

NFL betting fans have to be asking themselves what has happened to Adrian Peterson. He has disappeared in the later stages of the year unless he’s been coughing up fumbles, and the Vikings have been forced to rely on Brett Favre solely.

The Cowboys defense has given up 31 points total in their last four games. The game plan is simple and similar: shut off the run and then tee off on the quarterback. Stopping the run will be the key.

Outlook

The Vikings have been brutal down the stretch but a bye week can change things. Even so, these are two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum right now. The Cowboys are hot while the Vikings are not. If the Cowboys force the game onto Favre’s arm and they don’t make any mistakes, they will win and move on.

NFL Picks: Cowboys +3

Cowboy Corner: Cowboys-Eagles Betting Information

COWBOY CORNER – Wild Card Weekend

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Sunday, January 10, 8:00 p.m. ET

5Dimes Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys -4

Cowboys offense vs Eagles defense

The formula should be the same, but what kind of adjustments will be made?

Last week, sports wagering handicappers saw the Cowboys play with a fire that was fueled from revenge from a previous Week 17 loss, but will the Cowboys be as hungry this time around?

The Cowboys had their running game going as Marion Barber and Felix Jones each ran for 91 yards. Meanwhile, quarterback Tony Romo was superb once again and has now achieved a quarterback rating of 100 or higher in five of his last six games.

Considering Miles Austin has stepped up as the big playmaker in the passing game and Jason Witten is as reliable as can be, the Cowboys have a very versatile unit right now.

More importantly, all of their parts are hot.

Read the rest of the article after the jump.

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Cowboy Corner Betting Advice – Week 15

NFL Week 15 – Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints
Saturday, December 19, 8:20 p.m. ET
Sports Handicapping Favorite: Saints -7

Cowboys offense vs Saints defense

The Dallas Cowboys have once again turned into Cinderella’s carriage and the proverbial midnight is the month of December. To the uneducated fan, they will be quick to pin the blame on quarterback Tony Romo but the truth is that he has played just fine in the month of December. Through two December games, Romo has 641 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Even so, the Cowboys only converted one third down last week against the Chargers, so not everything is right.

People making their NFL predictions this week probably won’t side with the Cowboys but they do have the perfect offense to beat the Saints. The Cowboys need to run the ball effectively with Marion Barber and Felix Jones, and limit the amount of time that the Saints offense has the football. If they can do that, they’ll have an excellent chance to win this game.

Cowboys defense vs Saints offense

The Cowboys defense will clearly have its hands full. Sportsbooks like Bodog (Bodog Review) have the total for this contest set at a whopping 53.5, so not many people are expecting a field goal match.

The Saints have a prolific passing game with several weapons. Drew Brees is the triggerman and he has several weapons with Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush. Clearly, the Cowboys will be overmatched.

Even so, the Saints have been playing closer and closer games over the last few weeks and the Cowboys have more on the line in this contest. That might be enough to motivate them to play with heart on defense.

Outlook

The Cowboys are once again coming apart at the seams and now they face the lone undefeated team in the NFC. That doesn’t sound like the recipe for success.

But even so, the Cowboys have their playoff hopes on the line while the Saints are playing for a perfect season – clearly, the Cowboys should have more pep in their step.

At the end of the day, though, the Cowboys main fault has been execution and while they have an excellent chance to cover the spread in this game, the Saints will find a way to win and stay perfect.

Sports Tips: Cowboys +7

Cowboys Giants Betting Information and Advice

COWBOY CORNER – WEEK 13

The Cowboys and NFL betting fans alike enjoyed Thanksgiving Day immensely. While we feasted on Turkey, the Cowboys feasted on the Raiders. Can they keep their momentum going against the reeling New York Giants this week?

Week 13 – DALLAS COWBOYS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

Sunday, December 6, 4:15 p.m. ET

Favorite: Cowboys -2.5

Cowboys offense vs Giants defense

Tony Romo dazzled against a solid Raiders pass defense last week, recapturing his big-play connection with Miles Austin. But that was November – Romo’s best statistical month – and that was a home game in comfy Dallas. Now, Romo enters December, during which he has a 71.9 rating and 14:19 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Nursing a sore back, he travels to the Meadowlands to face a Giants team that picked him off twice in Week 2.

In theory, Romo should do some damage to the Giants since they’re missing Kenny Phillips from the secondary and just lost linebacker and defensive captain Antonio Pierce for the season. Despite their injuries, the Giants still have the NFL’s No. 4 overall defense, but that rank reflects a cupcake early schedule in which they beat Washington, Tampa, Kansas City and Oakland. Online sportsbook sharps will point out that New York has struggled to contain good offensive groups like New Orleans, Arizona, Philadelphia, San Diego and Atlanta. Even if Romo’s December jitters return, the Cowboys can capitalize on Pierce’s absence and run the football.

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Cowboys Corner – Week 12 Betting

With NFL odds for the Thanksgiving action already posted and our Dallas Cowboys in action this Thursday as they always are at this time of year, Cowboy Corner arrives early this week. The Cowboys barely escaped the Washington Redskins; will they be sharper against an Oakland team fresh off a massive upset win over Cincinnati?

Week 12

OAKLAND RAIDERS @ DALLAS COWBOYS

Thursday, November 26, 4:15 p.m. ET

Favorite: Cowboys -13.5

Cowboys offense vs Raiders defense

True Cowboy fans were happy to just see the Cowboys get the “W” but sports betting fans sure weren’t happy; the Cowboys scored just seven points and questions are starting to pop up again about Tony Romo’s ability to lead this team down the stretch. Romo’s career quarterback rating is higher for November than for any other month – 106.0 over the last three seasons with 30 touchdowns and 11 picks over 12 games. December is the bane of Romo’s existence – a 69.0 rating and eight touchdowns versus 11 picks over eight games during the last three seasons.

This season, however, Romo may be starting his annual slide early. Facing strong pass defenses from Green Bay, Philadelphia and Washington over the past three weeks, he’s thrown just three touchdown passes. The Raiders defend the pass better than many people expect, ranking 12^th in the NFL. Nnamdi Asomugha can shut pretty much anyone down and won’t have trouble with the enigmatic Miles Austin or Roy Williams depending on who his assignment is.

To up its sportsbook odds, America’s Team will have to run the ball – something they’ve done well of late through Marion Barber and Felix Jones.

Cowboys defense vs Raiders offense

Despite the Cowboys’ anemic offense run, the defense is holding strong, as Dallas has allowed more than 21 points just once this year and held the Redskins to six points last week. Against the mobile Jason Campbell last week, the Cowboys didn’t blitz like crazy and their game plan worked. Bruce Gradkowski’s footwork is underrated – he doesn’t take off like Campbell but he does move around a lot – so Dallas may use a similar strategy against him.

Quantity doesn’t equal quality in the Oakland backfield; none of Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush scares Dallas, which ranks seventh in the league in run defense.

Outlook

Most people planning their Thanksgiving Thursday or making their NFL picks were probably disappointed to hear Dallas was hosting the anemic Raiders on Thursday but they may be in for a surprise. Because of their solid pass defense, Oakland may keep this game closer than people expect. Dallas should still pull out the win in the end, though; Cowboys Stadium will give them a boost.

Cowboy Corner Week 11 | Betting Odds Spread

COWBOY CORNER – WEEK 11

The strange NFL betting trend continues, as my endorsement of the Cowboys against Green Bay last week once again amounted to a Dallas loss. Time for a change; I once again like the Cowboys’ chances this week but, against Washington, the Cowboys will make good and end my football predictions slump.

Week 11

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ DALLAS COWBOYS

Sunday, November 22, 1:00 p.m. ET

Favorite: Cowboys -11

Cowboys offense vs Redskins defense

Facing an elite Packers pass defense last week, Tony Romo and the Cowboys showed that they’re beatable. Now, facing the Redskins’ league-leading pass defense, the Cowboys have their work cut out for them again. Don’t be surprised if America’s team doesn’t do a ton in the passing game.  It seems Romo can’t get Miles Austin and Roy Williams going in the same week; when one flourishes, the other disappears.

The Cowboy coaching staff hinted at committing to the run more this week; that would boost their sportsbook prospects, as the Redskins are weak against the run. Felix Jones seems to be losing snaps because of his pass protection woes but Marion Barber and/or Tashard Choice will get the job done.

Cowboys defense vs Redskins offense

Jason Campbell may be losing sleep as this week’s game approaches. He’s settled back into acceptable caretaker status after a horrible start, posting a quarterback rating of 90 or better in three straight contests. However, Campbell has taken 15 sacks over his last four games; he still gets rattled in the pocket and never seems to hang there long enough to unleash a deep throw. You can therefore expect the Cowboys to bring the pressure with DaMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff, who’ve combined for 11 sacks this season.

Washington’s running game is in shambles with Clinton Portis sidelined by a concussion and the offensive line both ineffective and banged up. A bright spot for Washington in recent weeks, however, has been Laddell Betts. In rushing for 114 yards on 26 carries against a tough Denver run defense last week, he showed he can handle feature back duties.

Outlook

As long as the Cowboys get an early lead, they should remain in the driver’s seat for this contest. If the Redskins fall behind, they’ll put the ball in Campbell’s hands and that should amount to multiple three-and-outs. That will send the Redskins’ defense out again and again and tire it out, softening it up for some Dallas scores. Happy to be home for the first time in a few weeks, the Cowboys will win on Sunday. Sports betting sharps and Cowboy fans alike will agree.

Cowboy Corner Betting Information – Week 10

Do I control NFL odds for the Dallas Cowboys? Seems they win whenever I pick them to lose and lose whenever I pick them to win. Well, folks, I may or may not have bad news. I like Dallas’ chances to beat the Packers this week. Is that a good thing?

Week 10

DALLAS COWBOYS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

Sunday, November 15, 4:15 p.m. ET

Favorite: Cowboys -3

Cowboys offense vs Packers defense

Tony Romo and company shouldn’t expect a total offensive cakewalk this week. The good news is that Green Bay struggles mightily to pressure the quarterback; the Pack have 13 sacks, good for last in the NFC. The bad news is that they’re still a big-play defense. They rank fourth in the NFL with 12 interceptions and have scored two defensive touchdowns. Historically, Tony Romo gets worse as an NFL season progresses and the weather gets colder. He therefore could make a few mistakes at Lambeau Field on the tundra.

Thankfully for Romo, his rapport with Miles Austin continues to grow. Austin overcame double teams against the Eagles last week for another 40-plus-yard touchdown. Since the Pack are also solid against the run, however, the Cowboys may not score big points this week. Remember that if you like betting on totals with your NFL picks.

Cowboys defense vs Packers offense

Here’s where the Cowboys will win the game. The Cowboys “D” started slowly this season but is really rounding into form of late – especially the pass rush, which led the NFL in sacks last year. The Cowboys sacked Donovan McNabb four times last week. If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can sack Aaron Rodgers six times, which they did last week, you know Green Bay has major O-line woes. The Packer linemen are revolving doors, allowing an NFL-worst 37 sacks this season. The Pack’s franchise worst for sacks allowed is 62; they’re on pace to allow 74 this season. Making matters worse, Aaron Rodgers holds onto the ball too long even when he has time. He’s having a phenomenal year but isn’t taking many shots downfield. Sportsbook betting fans should expect the improving Cowboy pass rush to have an absolute field day against poor Rodgers.

Outlook

The Cowboys are gaining serious momentum in the NFC playoff picture and, even though they have another tough road game this week, the matchup is favorable. They should ride their “D” to another win in a potentially low-scoring matchup. The Pack will look like the loser of Pacquiao Cotto betting in the end: battered and bruised.

Cowboys Eagles Betting Information

COWBOY CORNER – WEEK 9

As any sportsbook bettor will tell you, the Dallas Cowboys are becoming NFL darlings again. They’ve won three straight games, largely because the passing attack and pass rush have both come to life. Now, travelling to Philadelphia for the Sunday nighter, America’s Team gets a chance to show us it’s for real.

Week 9 – DALLAS COWBOYS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Sunday, November 8, 8:20 p.m. ET

Favorite: Eagles -3

Cowboys offense vs Eagles defense

No NFL betting fan can deny that Tony Romo has found himself after a few off weeks. He’s lighting up the scoreboard of late and the biggest reason for his renewed success is Miles Austin. Unlike Roy Williams, Austin reportedly took Michael Irvin’s offseason advice, learning to anticipate snap counts and explode off the line. All Austin has done is score five times in his last three games. It’s amazing how dangerous Romo becomes when he has a legit No. 1 option again.

We should, however, temper our expectations for Romo and the Cowboy offense this week – especially in the passing game. Romo carved up The Chiefs, Falcons and Seahawks over the last three games; in other words, he didn’t face an elite pass defense. Sunday at Philadelphia presents an entirely new challenge; the swarming Eagle “D” allows less than 200 passing yards per game and ranks second in the NFL with 23 sacks. We all know Romo can lay the odd egg when pressured. In fact, one of his worst recent performances came in Week 17 last season in Philadelphia. Romo threw for just 183 yards, got picked off and lost two fumbles in a 44-6 loss. Is he up to the challenge this week?

Cowboys defense vs Eagles offense

This isn’t the online betting mismatch It was a few weeks ago. There’s no question that the Eagles are soaring offensively right now; under Andy Reid’s pass-happy system, Donovan McNabb is posting big numbers and hooking up regularly with blindingly fast DeSean Jackson for huge passing gains. However, Dallas’ “D” is improving after a slow start. DeMarcus Ware has five sacks in his last three games and the Cowboys haven’t allowed more than 21 points in a game since Week 2. It won’t be a total picnic for McNabb.

Outlook

As much as Dallas will bring the heat, its secondary is just average. McNabb and Jackson will find a way to exploit that; Reid may pass even more than he normally does with Brian Westbrook still possibly not 100 per cent (concussion). The Cowboys have the offensive weapons to answer back in theory but we still won’t know how Romo will respond to facing his first tough defense in weeks. It looks like the Eagles are good NFL picks to take over first in the NFC East on Sunday. After all, look how they dismantled the Giants last week.

Cowboy Corner – WEEK 5 | Betting Advice – Point Spreads – Odds

The Cowboys’ NFL odds are in a tailspin after they fell flat in Denver against a surprisingly stingy Bronco defense. They got their defense under control for the second straight week but scoring continues to be a problem. Can Dallas get back on track with a cupcake matchup in Kansas City this Sunday?

Betting Odds – Week 5
DALLAS COWBOYS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Sunday, October 1, 1:00 p.m. ET
Favorite: Cowboys -8

Cowboys offense vs Chiefs defense

There’s no hiding from the fact that Tony Romo hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 2. Yeah, Terrell Owens is gone and Roy Williams got hurt last week, but those excuses only take you so far. Romo remains an athletic, elusive quarterback capable of making big plays; he simply has to be better for the Cowboys to make any kind of playoff run this season. The Chiefs rank 28th in the NFL in pass defense and have just five sacks on the season, so Romo will have plenty of time to make plays. Look for him to perform more like he did in Week 1 against the weak Tampa defense, when he threw for 350-plus yards and three scores.

The Cowboys rank third in the NFL with 163.8 rushing yards per game and should pummel the Chiefs’ porous front seven according to betting software projections. Marion Barber appears set to play and Tashard Choice is a more than capable backup, so this tandem should run wild if Romo can’t get the passing game going.

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