It’s a different season for both the Cowboys and the Raiders when you compare it to last year. The records speak to it. Last season, the Cowboys and Raiders owned a collective record going 25-7 straight up and 20-12 against the spread as they made their way to the playoffs. This year in Week 15, the two squads taken together are 13-13 SU and 11-14-1 ATS.
This meeting will most likely end up being an elimination match, with the Cowboys favored by a single field goal (at press).
The Dallas Cowboys kept their playoffs hopes alive when they beat the New York Giants in the last game. To make the playoffs though they are going to need to win out, and they are going to need to get some help around the league. After really struggling losing three games in a row, the Cowboys offense has been really clicking the last couple weeks and will hope to carry that into this game.
Over the last two games they have averaged 34 points per game, and if they want to win this game the offense is going to need to have success. The biggest positive to come out of the last game against the Giants was the play of Dak Prescott. He threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns.
Without Zeke again in this game, Dak is going to need to make the right throws and really carry the offense in this one. The defensive side of the ball the Cowboys also have been playing better in the last couple of games only giving up 24 points total to the Giants and the Redskins. Now those aren’t two of the greatest offenses, but it should give some confidence to a Cowboys defense who has struggled at times this year.
On the other side of this match up is the Oakland Raiders who have been one of the biggest disappointments of this NFL season. They come into this game with a 6-7 record, and for a team that was a popular pick to make the Super Bowl, it looks like they won’t even be in the playoffs.
Their season all but ended against the Kansas City Chiefs. The offense really struggled and that led to a 26-15 defeat. One of the biggest disappointments this year has been the play of Derek Carr. Against the Chiefs he threw for 211 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
If the Raiders want any chance in this game, they are going to need a huge game from Carr, because this will probably be a higher scoring game. He needs to stop turning the ball over, if they want any chance to pull an upset.
Writer’s Prediction
I think the Cowboys have more to play for, and they will come out motivated in this game. I think Dak will have another huge game in this one, and that will lead to a victory and a cover. Pick: Dallas Cowboys (-3.0)
