Posted on 10/20/2007 10:28:54 AM

NFL Betting: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys

By Marc Reichertz

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season at the hands of the 6-0 New England Patriots. The 48-27 score was mildly misleading since the Cowboys actually led by a field goal five minutes into the third quarter, but their defense tired and Tom Brady connected with Donte Stallworth for a deflating 69-yard touchdown strike. Dallas made things hard on themselves with a season-high 12 penalties, but they could still take certain positives from the loss. Terrell Owens wasn’t prepared to concede anything to the Pats after the loss, but it was certainly a humbling experience for most players on the NFC East leading team. Still charged by their high-scoring offense the Week 7 line has the ‘Boys favored by a healthy margin (-10) but the football betting legions seem to be recalibrating after the Patriots loss.

At Soldier Field, Minnesota rookie running back Adrian Peterson had the kind of day that legends are made of with highlight-reel touchdown runs of 67, 73 and 35 yards, not to mention the 53-yard kickoff return that set up Ryan Longwell’s game-winning field goal. This was a big win for the Minnesota franchise but the Vikings struggled on the defensive side of the ball allowing Brian Griese to throw for 381 yards – the Vikes’ defense ranks dead last in the league against the pass giving up 288.4 yards a game.

Despite the loss the Cowboys offense ranks second in the league in total yards (405.2) and their aerial attack third with 274.7 yards a game. Tony Romo played well enough against the Patriots 4th-ranked pass defense connecting for a pair of touchdowns and he should be able to take advantage of a vulnerable Vikings’ secondary. The Cowboys will look to establish the run with the tandem of Julius Jones and Marion Barber but it won’t take very long before Tony Romo uses the play action and bootlegs to look downfield. At 5’9, corner Antoine Winfield may have a tough time handling a physical receiver like Terrell Owens who isn’t satisfied with his production the last two games. This leaves Patrick Crayton, coming off two strong games in a row, matched up against Cedric Griffin or nickel back Marcus McCauley. Vikings coach Brad Childress will start versatile linebacker Ben Leber to try and limit Dallas tight end Jason Witten. Vikings safety Darren Sharper will also focus on helping make sure Witten doesn’t claim the middle of the field. Free safety Dwight Smith will be a game-time decision and would be replaced by Tank Williams. The Vikings are the only team in the league yet to give up a rushing touchdown.

Vikings’ quarterback Tarvaris Jackson should get the start despite being slowed by a groin injury. Last week the second-tear pivot avoiding turnovers by completing 9 of 23 attempts for 136 yards, but the running game carried the offense to a win. They’ll hope for more of the same this week, but they know they can’t rely on Adrian Peterson rushing for 224 yards a game. The Cowboys 6th-ranked rush defense (79.5 yards a game) held New England to 75 yards rushing and they’ll employ various 8-men fronts and run blitzes looking to gang tackle Peterson. Still, the rookie is a game-breaker and blink twice and he’s gone.

The Cowboys defense will try to force Jackson to beat them through the air – this poses a stiff challenge for a young quarterback who is completing 49% of his passes with a pair of touchdowns and five interceptions. Six-year veteran Bobby Wade is Jackson’s most reliable target while Troy Williamson and impressive rookie Sidney Rice have a touchdown a piece on the year. To compound matters, Dallas will pressure Jackson off the edge with DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis who registered sacks last week against New England.

This is a tough game on the road for the Vikings – a team with inexperience at several skill positions going up against a Dallas team looking to erase the memory of last week’s loss to the Patriots. The Cowboys are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games on grass and 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game. The Cowboys will come close to putting up the 30-plus points which they average per game.

NFL BETTING FREE PICK: COWBOYS AT -10

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