Cowboys vs Chiefs Odds - Barber, Cowboys will run over Kansas City
Cowboys vs Chiefs odds might be a little prickly for offshore sportsbook fans, as Dallas has been letting down bettors all season with its erratic play. After losing to Denver last week, "Big D" needs to rebound before the Giants - who blew out Kansas City last week - run away with the NFC East. A strong Dallas running game should be enough to get the job done.
Cowboys vs Chiefs odds: Cowboys -8.5 (Total: 43)
|
Cowboys vs Chiefs odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
A .500 record by the quarter-mark of the season isn't what Cowboys had in mind, but here we are. Dallas (2-2) is coming off a 17-10 loss to the Broncos. Denver has been sharp defensively this season, but the Cowboys - and, more specifically, Tony Romo - are running out of excuses. Wade Phillips' seat is getting awfully hot at this point and a loss to the winless Chiefs could cost him his job. Kansas City (0-4) was expected to struggle in 2009, but perhaps not this badly. Matt Cassel, tabbed as the quarterback of the future, has struggled badly. For now, the Chiefs are focused on improving over the long run.
Cowboys vs Chiefs odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Cowboys should have a big edge on offense, but who knows at this point? Romo has ranged from average-to-terrible terrible over this past three games, and critics are wondering if the loss of Terrell Owens has truly damaged the Cowboys. Dallas had been relying on its running game, but it faltered against the Broncos, picking up just 74 yards on 25 carries. Despite Dallas' struggles, that's nothing compared to Kansas City. The Chiefs are second-last in yards per game while scoring just 16 points per outing. Cassel is averaging just 152 yards per game and his yards per attempt - a horrendous 5.1 on the year - has declined in three straight games. Throw in running back Larry Johnson, who's a shell of his former self, and you've got a pretty putrid offense. Betting Edge: Dallas
Cowboys vs Chiefs odds maker breakdown: Defense
Dallas has improved on defense over the past two weeks. There were hardly any big plays to speak of through the first two games, but the Cowboys have picked up four takeaways and six sacks over their last two outings. The passing defense still needs much work, though; it's yielding 256 yards per game, fourth-worst in the NFL. The Chiefs have allowed 61 points in their last two losses, though the outbursts came against good teams (the Giants and Eagles). Kansas City has just five sacks and two interceptions this season, and right now it's just not good enough to compete. Betting Edge: Dallas
Cowboys vs Chiefs odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Felix Jones won't go for Dallas, which is a blow to the running game. Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe is struggling with a hamstring injury and was limited to just one catch in last week's loss to the Giants. Betting Edge: Draw
Cowboys vs Chiefs odds maker: Totals
Both offenses are playing poorly right now. Even if Dallas does get back on track, it will likely be with the running game, which means more clock-eating and less quick scoring opportunities. The Chiefs will be lucky to find the end zone more than once or twice. Online sports betting fans should take the under. Pick: UNDER 43
Cowboys vs Chiefs betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Cowboys, while underachieving, still have a ton of talent. They can't get cocky, but a matchup against the struggling Chiefs is exactly what they need to get some of the kinks worked out. Barber and Tashard Choice should shred the Kansas City "D" and slowly grind the game out. Watch for Dallas to control the game while the score remains close, before distancing itself as Barber pounds K.C. into submission. STAN’S PICK: Cowboys -8.5
Get the latest analysis on Cowboys vs Chiefs odds and other NFL odds with the Betting Edge. Stan Simmons is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
