NFL Football
2008-12-28 - Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
A Sports Betting Pick by Bodog
The NFL playoffs are starting a little early this year. Our Top 3 NFL betting games for Week 17 feature six teams clawing for a spot in the postseason.There will be no tanking; handicappers won’t have to worry about whether the starters will actually play. Plus, it’ll be some of the best football we’ll see this year.
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Sunday, 28th December 2008 - Kickoff 4:15 p.m. ET
Weather Forecast : 30% chance of rain, 45 degrees, light winds
They’re talking like the sky is falling in Big D, but at the moment the Cowboys have the sixth seed in the NFC. All they need to do to secure a Wild Card is win on Sunday.
The Eagles need a victory and for Tampa Bay to lose at home to Oakland and the Bears to lose in Houston – it can happen.
But first things first: Dallas is a 1.5-point underdog (-115) at The Linc.
Dallas Cowboys : 9-6 SU, 3-4 Road, 7-8 ATS, Over 8-7
If Tony Romo hadn’t missed three games at QB, the Cowboys (9-6) might not be in this mess.
Romo was behind center at Texas Stadium in Week 2 for a 41-37 win over the Eagles (+6.5), but he might be without TE Jason Witten (ankle) in Week 17. Witten leads the Cowboys with 74 catches.
After a midseason stumble that came with Romo injured, his return sparked a three-game win streak to close November but they have lost two of three games this month, falling victim to some of the best defenses in football.
Philadelphia Eagles : 8-6-1 SU, 5-2 Home, 9-6 ATS, Under 8-6-1
Despite the win/loss records, it's the Eagles that have had the more productive season thus far judging by point differential. They’ve outscored opponents by 89 points compared to just 35 for Dallas.
Philadelphia's route to the playoffs is convoluted (see above) so with Philadelphia's game being pushed to 4:15, coach Andy Reid's club will know by the time it takes the field whether it has a chance.
Before last week, the Eagles had won three straight games, averaging 32.7 points and 153.0 rushing yards, but last Sunday they slipped back in losing 3-10 at Washington.
Several dropped passes plagued Philadelphia's receivers against the Redskins, and the Eagles ran the ball just three times on their final six possessions.
THe VERDICT
Although it might be all over for the Eagles before kickoff, I expect that Philadelphia have prepared all week with the mindset that this game is a big one - and so should give a full 100% effort.
That effort should be enough for the Eagles to win this game.
The Pick :
Dallas 24-29 Philadelphia
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take PHILADELPHIA to win and cover.
