The Dallas Cowboys (1-0) will be without star wide receiver Dez Bryant as they attempt to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles (0-1) for the fifth time in seven meetings.
However, the Eagles have won six of their past eight games against NFC East opponents and will have plenty of motivation coming off a season-opening loss on Monday night. Running back DeMarco Murray will also face his former team for the first time.
Point Spread: The Eagles opened as four-point favorites. The total was 54.5 early in the week.
Odds Shark Computer Pick: Eagles 29.2, Cowboys 24.4
Why the Cowboys Can Cover the Spread
It’s debatable how much Bryant is worth to the point spread after suffering a broken metatarsal in the season opener, but Dallas quarterback Tony Romo certainly has other weapons at his disposal.
Many thought the Cowboys would miss Murray, and then Romo proved to be their MVP by rallying them back against the New York Giants in the season opener.
Bryant only had five catches for 48 yards in Week 1, and he was actually targeted less frequently than running back Lance Dunbar, tight end Jason Witten and fellow wide receiver Terrance Williams. Romo’s strong play dating back to last year was especially evident on the road, where Dallas has gone 7-1 against the spread in its past eight.
Why the Eagles Can Cover the Spread
Philadelphia will be primed to rebound at home from a disappointing loss in its season opener on the road against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Eagles put together a good rally after trailing 20-3 at halftime, but new quarterback Sam Bradford had a costly interception late that ended their hopes for a comeback victory. Bradford still played well in the second half and finished with 336 passing yards, although his two picks were simply too much to overcome.
He will definitely be looking to impress the fans in his home debut, as will Murray following a forgettable performance in which he totaled only nine yards on eight carries.
Murray and Ryan Mathews each scored a touchdown on the ground but were disappointing overall with 13 yards between them on 11 carries. Philly has too many new players looking to prove themselves not to perform better here.
Smart Pick
The Eagles played one bad half at Atlanta and were in too deep of a hole to win, so bettors should expect a much better start against Dallas. Philadelphia head coach Chip Kelly will make sure his fast-paced offense improves in this key rivalry game that his team simply cannot afford to lose right now.
The Eagles have won 10 of their past 13 home games and know how important this one is to Murray. Look for him to go off and lead Philly to an easy win and cover while Bradford also plays much better at home.
Betting Trends
- The Cowboys are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games on the road.
- The Eagles are 10-3 straight up in their last 13 games at home.
- The Eagles are 6-2 SU in their last eight games against the NFC East.
All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.
via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2567032-dallas-cowboys-vs-philadelphia-eagles-betting-odds-analysis-nfl-pick
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