The Dallas Cowboys are hanging onto playoff contention by a thread. They will most likely need to go undefeated the rest of the way and get some help in order to return to the playoffs in 2017. The first hurdle to clear will be a road win over the hapless New York Giants in Week 14 of the regular season.
It has been a miserable season for New York, which fired coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese this week. The Giants are the home underdogs but still have some talent on defense as they hope to put together a more inspired performance than what has been shown much of this season.
The Cowboys are the better team and seemed to find a groove last time out, which they hope can propel them to a much-needed victory in New York.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 14 game is set for Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dallas Cowboys -4
New York Giants +4
Over/Under 41.5
Odds Analysis
The Cowboys are judged to be a markedly better team as they are decent favorites despite playing on the road. The betting action is pretty split on this game, with Dallas getting about 53 percent of the action to cover this spread.
The scoring total is higher than bettors pegged it to be as more than 58 percent of the action has jumped on the “under.” The Cowboys are listed at -230 on the moneyline, while the Giants are +192 to pull off the upset win at home. Those are pretty good odds, but New York hasn’t shown much ability to compile wins this season.
Player To Watch
Eli Manning — The Giants’ quarterback saw his consecutive games started streak come to an end last week as McAdoo decided to bench him in order to get a look at the younger Geno Smith. However, there was widespread disenfranchisement with the decision as Manning has won a pair of Super Bowls leading the Giants, and the public felt like he was being treated poorly.
Well, McAdoo has now been fired and Manning has been given back his starting gig. He has not had a great year, throwing for 2,411 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions on the season. Manning has been hurt because he lost star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. early on to injury and Brandon Marshall soon thereafter.
While New York isn’t expected to have a dominant offensive showing in this one even with Manning back at the helm, he is certainly a better option than Smith for this one game.
Injury Report
Sean Lee — The Cowboys’ All Pro linebacker returned to the practice field this week and told reporters that he will play against the Giants on Sunday. His return will be a huge boost for the defense at a critical time for the Cowboys. Lee injured his hamstring for a second time this season early in the Week 10 game against the Falcons and missed the next three games.
Sterling Shepard — The Giants’ wide receiver is dealing with a hamstring injury this week and did not participate in practice on Monday or Wednesday. Shepard has already missed four games this season with other ailments and is questionable heading into this weekend. New York has been short on receivers all season and this would be another blow.
Jason Pierre-Paul — The Giants’ defensive end did not participate in practice Wednesday and had his right hand wrapped. The two-time Pro Bowler sustained a finger injury last week against the Raiders. He is one of the team’s best pass-rushers and would be an important piece against a mobile Dak Prescott.
Free ATS Pick
The Cowboys still don’t have star running back Ezekiel Elliott due to suspension, but Alfred Morris has done a fine job in his stead. The offensive line has gotten healthy, which has helped the offense get back on track.
There is a wide talent gulf in this game, and it is easy to see why Dallas is considered the favorite. Take the Cowboys to not only win this contest but cover the spread quite easily. The “over” should hit.
NFL Odds: Cowboys 27, Giants 17
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