The Cowboys opened up the season as losers, as they were dealt with a 20-19 defeat by the Giants on Sunday. Despite the setback, the Cowboys have reason to believe, especially with their pair of rookie starters showing glimpses of promise.
Dak Prescott went 25-for-45 for 227, which wasn’t good but acceptable nonetheless for an NFL debut. Ezekiel Elliot, meanwhile, rushed for 51 yards plus a touchdown on 20 carries.
New York’s defense has obviously improved, partly explaining the Cowboys’ inability to reach the end zone more than once. The Cowboys, however, will be facing next Washington’s stop unit, which was thoroughly abused on Monday by Pittsburgh and one that Prescott and Elliott could punish with relative success.
Hopefully for Dez Bryant, he’ll have a much better outing against the Redskins. Bryant was a non-factor against New York, catching just one of five targets for a measly eight yards. He’ll be matched up with Josh Norman, putting pressure on other receivers to step up. Jason Witten led the team in the Giants game with 66 receiving yards and nine receptions.
Dallas is 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS in its last three games in Washington.
Betting on the Washington Redskins
After getting blasted by Pittsburgh on Monday, the Redskins need to find a quick fix to their awful defense. The Redskins let Pittsburgh unload 435 total yards in their 38-16 Week 1 loss.
Washington wasn’t any better on offense, as the team committed two turnovers, both were off interceptions from Kirk Cousins. Cousins definitely didn’t like his performance, passing for 329 yards on 30 of 43 completions but wasn’t able to find someone in the end zone. The Redskins’ backfield was ineffective, thus making it easier for Pittsburgh to cover Washington receivers; Matt Jones and Chris Thompson combined for 47 rushing yards.
Dallas, however, has issues on its front seven and that could be something Cousins and the rest of the Redskins’ passing attack can look to exploit. Eli Manning had lots of time to spend in the pocket on Sunday with Dallas’ pass rushers unable to get to him fast.
Washington is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games against the Cowboys dating back to 2011.
