Cowboys Redskins Betting – Cowboys Control Redskins With Ground Game
Online betting players will be treated to a pretty big rivalry game to start the season as Dallas travels north to take on the Washington Redskins, who aren’t the same team who disintegrated last year. The Redskins will hold their own in a hard-hitting game, but we’re counting on Dallas’ deep group of running back to carry the struggling offense to a victory.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, September 12th, 8:20 PM ET
- Where: FedEx Field, Landover, MD
- Pick: Dallas Cowboys
What’s On The Line
There’s nothing like an NFC East rivalry game to kick off the season. The Cowboys swept the season series in 2009, and went on win their first playoff game since 1996 before losing to Minnesota. The Redskins were a mess, but they made some changes in the offseason, including a new coach, a veteran quarterback lifted from another East team, and some off-field drama.
Offensive Matchups: Cowboys Redskins Betting
The Cowboys struggled on offense throughout the preseason, and Tony Romo looked all out of sorts in the third game against Houston, completing 13 of his 18 attempts, but only for 146 yards and he was picked off. The Cowboys were also missing prized rookie Dez Bryant because of an ankle injury. Dallas may have to utilize their running backs, which may be the deepest group on the team with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Still, Romo needs to air it out, and Miles Austin and Jason Witten will be the main targets.
New coach Mike Shanahan wasted no time putting his stamp on the Redskins, snagging Donovan McNabb from Philadelphia. This is an instant upgrade from Jason Campbell, but honestly, Campbell was let down by a poor line and bad play-calling as well. Rookie Trent Williams will be tested blocking McNabb’s blind side, but the Redskins will just be happy to get him in the lineup as McNabb has a bum ankle. They may have to lean on a deep, but aging, group of backs led by Clinton Portis.
Betting Edge: Cowboys
Defensive Matchups: Cowboys Redskins Betting
Dallas fans are always looking at their offense, but the truth is that the Cowboys’ defense is the best part of the team. The linemen, led by Jay Ratcliff, do a good job of tying up linemen so Bradie James and Keith Brooking can clean up the tackles. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer may be the best pass-rush duo in the league. The secondary is deep, and Terrence Newman doesn’t get enough credit as being one of the best corners in the NFL.
Where to start in Washington? Albert Haynesworth finally passed his physical, and he seems to be warming up to Shanahan’s 3-4 system, although that could easily be fake. It’s disappointing too, because with Haynesworth, the Redskins could have one of the best defenses going. Their linebackers are just as athletic as the Cowboys, and the secondary is good enough, providing LaRon Landry and DeAngelo Hall play to their potential.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Cowboys Redskins Betting
Receivers Bryant (ankle) and Roy Williams (back) should be fine for this game, and rookie linebacker Sean Lee (knee) is questionable. Another player not likely to feature is offensive lineman Marc Colombo (knee).
McNabb (ankle) may have to be dead to miss this game, while Portis (ankle) and fullback Mike Sellers (knee) should also be ready. However, safety Kareem Moore (knee) is out.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Cowboys Redskins Betting
The NFL betting line for this game isn’t out yet, as the sportsbooks are waiting for the status of McNabb, because if he doesn’t play, Rex Grossman is the starter, which makes the Redskins an instant underdog. This should be a low-scoring affair as four of the last five meetings have gone under the posted total thanks to their strong defenses, and struggling offenses won’t be any help to those looking for a shootout. The Cowboys have won six of their last 10 in Washington, and it won’t be pretty, but we’re taking them to come away with the close victory, McNabb or no McNabb. Look for the Dallas running backs to be the story in this sports betting win.
Stan’s Pick: Dallas Cowboys
