With the third-worst record in the NFL, the Cowboys are still in position to win the landfill that is the NFC East. But they need to win games and they just haven’t done that without their savior Tony Romo, who was shelved – again - collarbone injury. The Redskins control their destiny in the division and all five of their wins have come at FedEx Field. A win over the Romo-less Cowboys would bolster their chances.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Washington Redskins -5
Dallas Cowboys +5
Over/Under 42
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Skins have been money at home, riding a five-game winning streak while going 4-1 ATS. Without Romo starting, the Cowboys are 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS. The line was wagered to Washington -4.5 in the 17th meeting between these division rivals on Monday Night Football.
KEY INJURIES
Tony Romo – Is out for the rest of the regular season after suffering a re-break in his collarbone on Thanksgiving, an injury that originally sidelined him for seven games. Matt Cassel moves back into the starting role with Kellen Moore as his backup.
Perry Riley Jr. – Suffered a sprained foot in practice and underwent an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity. It’s another damaging blow to the Redskins’ linebacker corps with Keenan Robinson limited again because of his sore shoulder. Will Compton has filled in nicely and can play either inside spot.
KEY MISMATCH
The way quarterback Kirk Cousins is playing at home, the Redskins feel they have a shot at hanging on to their NFC East lead. He’s been nearly flawless during a five-game home win streak heading into Monday’s matchup with the Cowboys. The Skins are riding their longest single-season home win streak since 1991 thanks in large part to Cousins, who has thrown for 10 touchdowns with no interceptions and posted a 76.0 completion percentage and 121.2 passer rating in his last five home games. Cousins has progressed with the season and looks like he belongs as the starter, rather than a backup trying to show his stuff. In his last three home games, his passer rating was 124.7 vs. Tampa Bay, 158.3 vs. New Orleans and 114.4 against the Giants, with three 300-yard passing games. He hooked up with DeSean Jackson on a 63-yard touchdown last week and the Cowboys utilize the same Cover-2 shell shown by the Giants and Bucs. With Jackson’s legs under him again, this is no longer a popgun attack.
KEY STAT
-12 – Dallas’ NFL-worst turnover margin. The Cowboys are also at the bottom of the league rankings with seven takeaways. Washington is minus-2 in differential and has forced 17 turnovers this season.
BETTING ANGLE
The Cowboys’ Super Bowl odds dropped dramatically after Romo fractured his collarbone for the second time. Dallas has lost seven of its last eight games and only Cleveland and Tennessee have a worse record. If the season ended today, the Cowboys would draft fourth overall. Yet the Cowboys still have hope and their postseason chances remain alive heading into their NFC East showdown. Dallas stands only two games behind the Giants and Redskins in the division. If the Giants lose to the Jets and the Cowboys knock off the Skins, Dallas will move to within one game of the division lead with four to play. So there is hope. One reason why the Cowboys are not putting Romo on injured reserve is the off-chance that they make the playoffs, allowing him to return for the postseason. They also believe Cassel will be more comfortable at quarterback in his second stint in place of Romo. Bottom line is the Cowboys need a win, and they haven’t gotten one without Romo starting. Also, the Skins are on top of the division thanks to their five straight wins at FedEx Field where they’ve gone 4-1 ATS.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The Cowboys have had something to play for all season and they just haven’t. It’s hard to imagine they’ll find the magic heading down the stretch after losing their savior for the second time. The only reason why the Redskins are on top of the NFC East is their 5-1 record at home. Nuff said. While the season hasn’t been a thing of beauty for any team in the division, the Redskins have overcome a boat load of injuries and control their own destiny to the title. Cousins has been sharp at home and the team’s oozing with confidence after knocking off the Giants last week. Facing the downtrodden Cowboys at home is another chance to get closer to a postseason berth. If the Skins run the table at home they may not need to win on the road, seven just might get it done.
Washington 24, Dallas 20
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