Posted on
12/28/2007 4:56:00 PM
NFL Week 17 Wagering – Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins
By Tim Furious
Preview With the Dallas Cowboys likely resting most of their starters, especially with the top-seed in the NFC locked up and home-field throughout the playoffs secured, the Washington Redskins are heavy favorites heading in to this matchup. Tony Romo will likely rest his injured thumb, meaning that Brad Johnson will get the start for Dallas. Can the Dallas defense, which will start most of its main players, hold off Jason Campbell and foil their attempts to sneak in to the playoffs?
Dallas Offense vs. Washington Defense
Washington’s defense allows 218.5 passing yards per game, and is fairly solid against the run giving up only 97.3 rush yards per game. Brad Johnson will play a conservative gameplan, but Washington’s secondary will be desperate to try and win this game. The Cowboys will be rejuvenated by Terry Glenn’s return, while Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd will continue to get their reps in just in case Terrell Owens’ ankle sprain is more severe than the Cowboys are letting on.
But this day will belong to Julius Jones and Marion Barber III. Barber is averaging a solid 5.0 yards per carry and has 10 scores, while Julius Jones is no slouch with 3.7 yards per carry. The linebacker corps for Washington is strong and fierce, but the Cowboys are excellent at run-blocking and will use Barber to bulldoze the Redskins in to the ground and control the clock.
Washington Offense vs. Dallas Defense
Quarterback Jason Campbell has steadied a passing attack to 216.0 pass yards per game, and his efficiency through the air has alleviated pressure off of the Washington rushing game, led by Clinton Portis. The Redskins average 116.0 rushing yards per game and will be looking to drive the Skins in to the playoffs. But that is easier said than done.
The Dallas front-seven will be getting the final kinks out of the engine as they look to shut down Portis and force Jason Campbell to beat them through the air. The Dallas defense won’t have the benefit of Terrell Owens and Tony Romo running the score, so they will have to be at their best. They are only giving up 19.9 points per game.
NFL Betting Trends
-Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
-Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
-Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
-Washington is 5-14 in their last 19 games when playing Dallas
-total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington’s last 9 games when playing Dallas at home
Final Verdict
With one team having nothing left to play for, and the other team having everything to play for, it should be an easy call for the Redskins to rampage a Dallas team expected to phone in a performance. But this football and no matter which team steps on the field, they will be looking for the victory. Dallas won’t want to give Washington any momentum heading in to the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys (13-2) vs. Washington Redskins (8-7)
Sunday, December 30th --- FedEx Field, Washington --- 4:15pm EST
Opening NFL Betting Line: Washington -9 (39.5)
NFL Betting Free Picks: Dallas 24 Washington 21
> > Check Week 17 Odds Here
The 2007 NFL betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The BetUS sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!