The Dallas Cowboys are in control of their own destiny atop the NFC with an 11-1 record that is unmatched across the NFL. That’s a pretty incredible accomplishment already for a team with a rookie starting quarterback and a rookie running back. The Cowboys will look to move one step closer to locking up the best record in the NFC as well as an NFC East title when they visit the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football this weekend.
Moneyline: Dallas -160
Handicap/Spread Odds: Dallas -3
Total O/U: 47.5
Last 5 Meetings: (Road/Home – Spread/Total)
| 09/11/2016 | NYG 20 – DAL 19 | NYG 1 | U 47.5 |
| 10/25/15 | DAL 20 – NYG 27 | NYG -3 | O 45 |
| 09/13/15 | NYG 26 – DAL 27 | NYG 7 | O 52 |
| 11/23/14 | DAL 31 – NYG 28 | NYG 4 | O 48 |
| 10/19/14 | NYG 21 – DAL 31 | DAL -4.5 | O 47 |
On The Cowboys Side of the Ball (11-1 Record, 9-3 ATS)
Dak Prescott has emerged as the obvious frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year conversation but it’s time he is talked about as a potential MVP frontrunner as well. Prescott has completed 67.9-percent of his passes for 2,974 yards and 19 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. The fact that he has been able to move the football so efficiently without turning it over is absolutely incredible. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliott has averaged 4.9 yards per carry while rushing for 1,285 yards and 12 touchdowns and he has been the perfect compliment to what Dallas has done in the passing game. The Cowboys defense hasn’t been outstanding but they have been better than advertised and that is another reason why this team is 11-1. Dallas doesn’t force a lot of turnovers but they also don’t turn the ball over so it will be key to continue to play mistake-free football and not give the Giants additional opportunities to make their defense pay.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/01/2016 | @MIN | W 17-15 | L -3 | U 43.5 |
| 11/24/16 | WAS | W 31-26 | L -5.5 | O 53 |
| 11/20/16 | BAL | W 27-17 | W -7 | U 44.5 |
| 11/13/16 | @PIT | W 35-30 | W 3 | O 50.5 |
| 11/06/16 | @CLE | W 35-10 | W -7 | U 49 |
On The Giants Side of the Ball (8-4 Record, 6-5-1 ATS)
The Giants are the only NFL team to beat Dallas this season but that was a long time ago all the way back in Week 1 and the Cowboys haven’t lost since. New York will need to be even better this time around with an emphasis on the offense playing mistake-free football and exposing the Dallas defense. Eli Manning has completed 63.1-percent of his passes for 3,097 yards and 22 touchdowns but he also has 12 interceptions. Manning can’t afford to turn the ball over on Sunday night because the Cowboys have the weapons to make him pay. Meanwhile, the Giants would be a lot better off if they could run the ball to achieve a little more balance and help open up room for Odell Beckham Jr. and company to operate. New York might try to make a stronger commitment to the run game this week. The Giants will also try to stuff the run and force Prescott to beat them through the air in obvious pass situations. We have seen flashes of the New York defense’s ability to rush the passer and that will be key this week as they look to force the Dallas rookies in to making mistakes.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/04/16 | @PIT | L 14-24 | L 6.5 | U 49.5 |
| 11/27/16 | @CLE | W 27-13 | W -6.5 | U 46.5 |
| 11/20/16 | CHI | W 22-16 | L -7 | U 41.5 |
| 11/14/16 | CIN | W 21-20 | W 1 | U 49.5 |
| 11/06/16 | PHI | W 28-23 | W -3 | O 42.5 |
Quick Analysis
The Cowboys have made their doubters pay this season with an 11-1 record straight up and an 9-3 record against the spread. Dallas has failed to cover in each of the last two weeks but if it stays at three or lower than they will be in a strong position to bounce back ATS. Meanwhile, the Giants have won six of their last seven and own a 5-2 mark ATS over that span.
Prediction
New York will not be an easy environment to play in this week as the cold temperatures and potential for snow will take its toll under the bright lights on Sunday Night Football. However, that might suit the Cowboys better since they have the stronger run game and a mobile quarterback that can make things happen when things break down around him. The Giants will keep this game close at home but ultimately Dallas will break through and win and cover in a game with major implications in the NFC East.
Pick: Dallas -3
Note: Lines subject to change leading up to kick-off, so please be aware of the possibility of line movements.
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