Who would’ve guessed that the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles would be playing a Week 8 contest with first place in the NFC East on the line? And who would’ve guessed that both teams would be here behind the stellar play of rookie quarterbacks. But both clubs are here because of what the rooks have done. Not only is the division race hanging in the balance, but both Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz will have a chance to sway voters for the rookie of the year award.
This matchup in Week 8 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, October 30, 2016, at 8:30 p.m. ET at ATT Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Philadelphia Eagles +4
Dallas Cowboys -4
Over/Under 43.5
Odds Analysis
I was shocked to see the spread so high when it hit the board, and the betting public was too. The line was quickly wagered down a half point to its current number and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it drop even more by kickoff. The total seems low for these teams and the over is getting plenty of play with 75 percent of the wagers. With so many play-makers on the field, the over carries plenty of value before the total goes up.
Injury Report
Ron Brooks – The Eagles secondary got a bit thinner when nickel corner Ron Brooks was lost for the season with a quad injury. It forced Doug Pederson to shuffle his cornerbacks with Leodis McKelvin still nursing a sore hamstring and rookie C.J. Miles seeing little action. Dallas’ passing game could be stronger against a secondary in flux.
Morris Claiborne – Entered the concussion protocol following the last game and his status is up in the air. Claiborne was enjoying the finest season of his young career and helped solidify the Cowboys secondary with his play. His absence could be felt against the Eagles aerial attack.
Matchup to Watch
They won’t face each other on the field, but the play of Prescott and Wentz will likely prove big in deciding the outcome of this game. It’s safe to say both players have exceeded expectations. and we’re far enough into the season to say their play isn’t a fluke. The two haven’t just transformed their teams, they’ve made the NFC East perhaps the strongest division in football. Both players were thrust into starting roles through different circumstances, and both have been successful beyond anyone’s imagination.
Wentz was drafted second overall this year and the starting job was going to be his. Just not this season. And just not on opening day. Prescott was drafted to be a legitimate backup for Tony Romo after a trio of reserves tanked the Cowboys last season. But Romo went down and Prescott stepped up. The early season concerns have subsided and both players have put up comparable Rookie of the Year-type numbers. Prescott has a better supporting cast around him and that proves to be a difference-maker in this one.
Free ATS Pick
I know the reason why the Rams are so stubborn about playing Jared Goff and it’s because Prescott and Wentz have been so successful. The two starters have made playing quarterback in the NFL look rather easy through the first half of their rookie seasons. If Goff plays and pisses down his leg, that first overall pick doesn’t look so good now, does it? But I digress. The spotlight will be squarely on Prescott and Wentz, and they’ll have a say in who wins this game and eventually the division.
The Cowboys are getting another weapon back to add to Prescott’s arsenal, and that makes them more lethal. Dez Bryant is ready to return and is eyeing Sunday as the day. Prescott’s success has been made easy with the best offensive line in football and another Rookie of the Year candidate in Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys have a legit offense and the Eagles will have a tough time defending everyone, even though they’ve been pretty good at doing it. Dallas gets the edge for playing at home, but this game will be as close as the team’s are in the standings. I like the Eagles with the points.
NFL Odds: Cowboys 24, Eagles 22
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