2010 NFL Divisional Playoffs Cowboys vs. Vikings Picks & Predictions
In arguably the most anticipated matchup of the Divisional Round playoff weekend, the Minnesota Vikings will host the Dallas Cowboys at 1:00PM ET on Sunday.
In their Wildcard matchup last weekend, the Cowboys beat the Packers 34-14 as a 3.5-point favorite, while the combined score went over the posted total of 45 points. Tony Romo threw a pair of touchdown passes to lead Dallas to victory.
The Vikings had off last weekend, but beat the Giants 44-7 as an 8-point favorite in Week 17 of the regular season. The combined score went over the posted total of 48 points in that game, as Brett Favre threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns. Sidney Rice also added 112 yards with two touchdowns.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Brobury Sports.com have made the Vikings 3-point favorites over the Cowboys in this Divisional Round matchup. The over/under total for this game has been set at 46 picks.
The value in this game has already come and gone, because the Vikings were –2.5 when the line opened. Taking the home team coming off a bye at less than a field goal represents plenty of value, but it’s a different game at –3.
As of right now, the Cowboys are the better team. They run the ball better, they have a better defense, and their quarterback is currently playing better than the Vikings’. There’s no doubt Wade Phillips looked at the film from the Panthers’ win over the Vikings and saw what Julius Peppers was able to do against Minnesota’s offensive line. We expect DeMarcus Ware to have the same success, and to put Favre on his backside plenty of times.
Our free pick prediction for this game is the Cowboys +3. Dallas is 4-1 against the spread in its last five games and 4-2 straight up in its last six games on the road. Favre is also 0-3 against the Cowboys in the postseason and we have a gut feeling that ol’ No. 4 will cost his team big on Sunday.
Our NFL Divisional Playoff Free Pick for this matchup is: DALLAS COWBOYS +3 and OVER 46.
Cowboys vs. Vikings Current Odds
113 Dallas Cowboys +3 Over 46
114 Minnesota Vikings –3 Under 46
NFL Divisional Playoff Betting Trends
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
NFL Divisional Playoff Injury Report
DALLAS
[OT] 09/07/2009 - Robert Brewster PUP list ( Pectoral )
[LB] 08/22/2009 - Brandon Williams IR ( ACL )
[LB] 09/06/2009 - Stephen Hodge IR ( Knee )
[S) 01/09/2010 - Pat Watkins "?" Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Knee )
[RB] 01/11/2010 - Tashard Choice is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Head )
[RB] 01/11/2010 - Marion Barber probable Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Knee )
MINNESOTA
[LB] 12/07/2009 - E.J. Henderson IR ( Leg )
[LB] 01/11/2010 - Erin Henderson expected to miss Sunday vs. Dallas ( Suspension )
[DT] 01/11/2010 - Jimmy Kennedy probable Sunday vs. Dallas ( Thumb )