Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
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Expert Picks
Every game in the NFC East is important. Washington's offense is next to last in scoring at 18 points per game and is averaging just 4.6 yards per play, which is also No. 31 in the NFL. Dallas is missing four of five starters on its offensive line and quarterback Dak Prescott (ankle). Andy Dalton was very ineffective last week. The Cowboys scored just 10 points versus the Arizona Cardinals and had them shut out until two Ezekiel Elliott fumbles.
The Cowboys offer nice value as +1 road dogs against Kyle Allen and the Football Team. With Andy Dalton under center, my simulations still make the Cowboys -2.6 points better on the "road". Look for Ezekiel Elliott to be heavily involved in the passing game, and for the Cowboys to do enough to walk away with a road win. Take the point.
This game boils down to Washington's young defensive line facing the ailing Dallas offensive line. Washington has 16 sacks this season, which is tied for the ninth in the NFL. Chase Young & Co. will be facing a Dallas team that gave up three sacks, eight quarterback hits and 17 pressures to Arizona on Monday. The Cowboys' once-vaunted offensive line is a shell of itself and may have only Connor Williams from its original lineup on Sunday. Take Washington.
Very tempting to take Washington here with Dallas down yet another offensive lineman in All-Pro guard Zack Martin. Plus, the Cowboys are on a short week and their defense is a joke. However, it's hard to trust Washington QB Kyle Allen and that offense is putting up just 18.0 ppg. Defensively, Washington will get after the QB but isn't good against the run, allowing 130.0 ypg. Expect a huge game from Ezekiel Elliott after he lost two fumbles in Monday's embarrassing defeat and took the blame. Dallas does tend to play better in NFC East games (15-4 ATS in past 19).
I initially threw my hands up and said we shouldn't bother to try and figure out this mess, but after digging in a little more, I think Washington is clearly the right side. The Cowboys are a mess on defense and the offensive line, and with Zack Martin now sidelined as well, I don't see how Dallas is able to protect Andy Dalton against a Washington defense that ranks third in adjusted sack rate. The Washington O-line, while no one's idea of a top unit, has at least stayed relatively healthy, and the offense as a whole looks like it's trending in the right direction. Playing this Dallas defense should certainly help as well.