Chargers vs Cowboys Betting Odds - Romo-Rivers duel focus of big matchup in Dallas

San Diego-Dallas may be the most intriguing of all the online betting matchups in the NFL this week as both teams match up really well against each other. This game will be won at the quarterback position, where one has proven that he can handle the pressure of big games, while one is still having troubles buckling down when the going gets tough.

Chargers vs Cowboys betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Don’t look now, but the Chargers (9-3) have won seven in a row after their 30-23 win at Cleveland last week, thanks to Philip Rivers’ second straight 300-yard game, but the defense allowed 16 points in the fourth quarter against the lowly Browns. The Cowboys (8-4) put up a ton of yards and held the ball for most of their game against the Giants, but fell 31-24 in New York. The Chargers have made a habit out of late-season winning streaks, while the Cowboys are at the opposite end of the spectrum, usually falling off in December, so they need this game more.

Betting Edge: Cowboys

Chargers vs Cowboys betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
San Diego is 12th in the league offensively and still as one-dimensional as ever, ranking sixth through the air and 29th on the ground. Rivers is third in passer rating, but it’s puzzling why the Chargers are so bad on the ground. LaDainian Tomlinson has lost a step or three, and Darren Sproles hasn’t been getting enough touches. The Chargers must find a ground game before the postseason.

The Cowboys have the third-ranked offense in the league, coming in the top 10 in both rushing and passing. Tony Romo, who has struggled badly in December throughout his career, threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns against the Giants, and that has to be encouraging to online sportsbook players. They also may have the deepest group of running backs in the NFL with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

Betting Edge: Cowboys

Chargers vs Cowboys betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
The San Diego defense might be the most improved unit in the league. After allowing an average of 36 points in two losses to Pittsburgh and Denver, the Chargers haven’t allowed more than 23 points since. However, they took their foot off the gas against the Browns on Sunday and gave up 16 fourth-quarter points. The Chargers also allowed the Browns to run for 5.2 yards per carry, and they’re 21st in the league in run defense, so that’s a soft spot for the Cowboys to focus on.

The Cowboys had troubles with the big play against New York, giving up a 74-yard catch-and-run play to Brandon Jacobs, as well as a punt return. They held the Giants to 337 total yards, although they did average 4.3 yards on the ground. The Cowboys are 20th in the league against the pass, and they’ll have to sort that out before Rivers comes to town.

Betting Edge: Chargers

Chargers vs Cowboys betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot) missed the Cleveland game, which hurt the San Diego pass rush.

The Cowboys managed to come out of the New York without any serious injuries, but tackle Flozell Adams is having his personal-foul penalty at the end of the first half reviewed, and given his history with the Giants, he could be disciplined. Safety Ken Hamlin (foot) missed the New York game.

Betting Edge: Chargers

Chargers vs Cowboys betting odds for total: 48.5
This game will pit two of the NFL’s most explosive offenses against each other, and in their two meetings since 2001, they’ve gone over the posted total. Take the over here in what should be a shootout.

Pick: OVER 48.5

Chargers vs Cowboys betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
These two have met just twice since the turn of the century, with the visiting team winning each time. The Cowboys are 5-1 SU at home, and 4-2 ATS, while the Chargers are 5-1 away from home, but 3-3 ATS on the road. This will be the first meeting for these hot shot quarterbacks, and even though Romo had a massive game against the Giants, his 76.3 passer rating in 14 December games is scary. Compared to Rivers’ 97.5 rating in 16 December games, it’s clear to see which quarterback can handle the pressure. Teams know that the Chargers can’t run, yet they can’t seem to stop Rivers and company, and they’ll lead the Chargers to another win this weekend.

STAN’S PICK: Chargers +3

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