The race to the top of the NFC East just got a little more interesting after an eventful Week 14 that left the Dallas Cowboys (9-4) and the Philadelphia Eagles (9-4) tied atop the division. The Cowboys began the week with a win over the Chicago Bears to keep in step with Philadelphia. The Eagles, meanwhile, wasted a golden opportunity to pull away from Dallas after losing to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
In another crucial matchup, the Bengals and the Browns square off in a matchup that could have major implications in the AFC playoff picture. You can read a detailed breakdown of that game here.
[sc:Football ]Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
When: Sunday, December 14, 8:30 PM ET
Line: Dallas Cowboys (+3.5) at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5); total: 55.0 – see all NFL lines
Betting on the Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo may be hurt, but the Cowboys’ quarterback didn’t let his hurting back or injured rib stop him from unleashing a great game in their Week 14 matchup with the Chicago Bears. Behind the Romo-led offense, the Cowboys were able to get back on track by snatching a 41-28 win over Chicago, thus improving the team’s record to 9-4.
[sc:NFL240banner ]After being roughed up by Philadelphia’s defense back in Week 13, Romo had his way against a weak Chicago defense as he completed 21 of 26 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His protection unit also did a good job, allowing Romo to get sacked just once after seeing the Eagles’ pass rush get to the Cowboys’ quarterback four times in the previous game.
It’s clear that whenever the Cowboys’ offensive line is in its top form, they are a hard team to stop, especially when Demarco Murray gets out of the backfield safely. Murray only had 73 rushing yards against the Eagles in their first encounter but was simply off the charts the following game against the Bears, particularly because of the clean routes the offensive line provided him. Murray compiled career-high 179 rushing yards and a touchdown on 32 carries in that game.
Dallas’ O-line will once again be the team’s barometer on Sunday, when the Cowboys face Philadelphia’s front seven once again.
With Romo also being afforded more time inside the pocket, the quarterback used his weapons deftly. Dez Bryant only had 82 receiving yards in the Chicago game, but that was because Romo scattered his passes nicely. Romo was able to incorporate Murray to the passing game more, as the running back set another personal best by registering 49 receiving yards on nine catches, his most thus far this season.
The Cowboys are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
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Betting on the Philadelphia Eagles
When the Eagles beat Dallas back in Week 13, Chip Kelly’s offense looked devastating against a lackadaisical Cowboys defense. The Seattle Seahawks’ defense, however, seemed to be too much for Mark Sanchez, LeSean McCoy and the rest of the Eagles’ offense, as they managed to gather just 139 total yards, the team’s fewest since Kelly took over as head coach last season.
But after losing 24-14 to Seattle on Sunday, Philadelphia can look forward to a rematch with the Cowboys, whose defense allowed the Eagles to collect 464 total yards in their Thanksgiving Day showdown.
The Eagles entered the game against Seattle ranked sixth in the league in rushing yards with 130.2 per game but were limited by the Seahawks to just 57 yards on the ground. McCoy, Philadelphia’s rushing leader with 1,068 rushing yards and four touchdowns, only had 50 yards on 17 carries. McCoy, however, went berserk against Dallas, rushing for a season-high 159 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. Shady should find it easier to match those numbers versus the same Cowboys’ rushing defense that surrenders 113.1 yards per game.
Another Eagle who could be bound for improved play next Sunday following the loss to Seattle is Mark Sanchez. Sanchez passed for just 96 yards in the Seahawks game with two touchdowns and an interception. Against the Cowboys, Sanchez was simply superb, passing for 217 yards and a touchdown with no interception. Dallas is 25th in the league in passing defense, as the team gives up 251.9 passing yards per game.
The Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Philadelphia (-3.5) wins, 28-25.
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