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Dallas has picked it up of late and sits at 5-3 on the season. It’s unlikely the Cowboys will catch the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East but they are still in line to make the playoffs as a wild card. The Falcons are 4-4 on the season but still hanging around both in the NFC South and in the wild card race.
The Falcons made it to the Super Bowl last season and have basically the same personnel on offense, but there have been hiccups all year. This team should be able to pick it up and could badly use a victory in this tough matchup.
This contest in Week 10 of the regular season will go down Sunday, November 12, 2017, at 4:25 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dallas Cowboys +3
Atlanta Falcons -3
Over/Under 50.5
Odds Analysis
This is an interesting line. The Cowboys have been really good lately, with double-digit wins in their past three outings, but will be the underdogs. Both teams have high ceilings that they have yet to hit in 2017, and the oddsmakers believe their talent level is about even, with Atlanta getting the nod because of the home field advantage.
The Cowboys are being picked much more often to cover this spread, with more than 76 percent of the action heading their way. The scoring total is quite high with two explosive offenses taking the field. The betting public thinks it’s a bit too high, as the “under” is the more popular choice, getting chosen at a rate of about 56 percent.
Injury Report
Dez Bryant -- The Cowboys’ wide receiver is dealing with both knee and ankle injuries right now. He seems more likely than not to play, but the injuries could slow him in this game. Atlanta may also choose to put standout cornerback Desmond Trufant on Bryant, which would make it a tough matchup.
Julio Jones -- The Falcons wide receiver is dealing with a lower leg injury and is expected to be limited in practice this week. However, all indications are that he will be ready to play in the game. Jones is one of the NFL’s best receivers and a huge key to the passing attack for Atlanta.
Devonta Freeman -- The Atlanta running back emerged from Sunday’s game with an unknown injury in addition to a shoulder problem that has been ailing him. Freeman shares the backfield role with Tevin Coleman, and he may see fewer snaps if the injuries are keeping him from playing at a high level.
Ezekiel Elliott’s Status
The Cowboys’ star running back may have to serve a six-game suspension beginning with this game, but it is still up in the air. The suspension has been lingering over the Cowboys for the entire season, but it keeps getting delayed as Elliott’s appeals wind their way through the courts system.
It finally could be coming to an end, and it would be a big loss if the Cowboys can’t have the services of Elliott in this one. He has carried the ball 191 times for 783 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
If Elliott is out, Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden could be the main options in his stead. They are veterans in the NFL and should be decent replacements, but neither has the talent that Elliott does.
In a game that could be close, the presence of Elliott is critical, so keep a close eye on his proceedings.
Free ATS Pick
The Falcons have the capability to get going at any point, and they badly need this win. While Atlanta’s offense isn’t going to be perfect, its defense should step up enough to help pull out a close win in a lower-points-than-expected affair.
If Elliott can’t play, the Cowboys won’t have the same type of big-play potential. Take the Falcons in a close one, but the Cowboys to cover, and the “under” is the right call on the scoring total.
NFL Odds: Falcons 24, Cowboys 23
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