WASHINGTON (2 - 5) at DALLAS (6 - 1) - 10/27/2014, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 2-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON vs. DALLAS
Washington is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 11 games when playing Washington
Washington at Dallas
Washington: 4-13 ATS as an underdog
Dallas: 8-1 OVER after 2 or more consecutive wins
Washington @ Dallas
The Redskins are 11-16 ATS as underdogs, 5-9 ATS as underdogs of 3½ to 9½ points, 4-8 ATS in weeks 5 through 9 and 9-17 ATS playing on Monday night. Washington is 69-43 Under as underdogs of 3½ to 9½ points, 16-9 Under as road dogs of 7½ to 10 points, 16-9 Under on Monday night, but they’re 12-7 Over on the road. The Cowboys are 3-6 ATS as favorites of 3½ to 9½ points, 7-13 ATS a favorites and 8-12 ATS at home, but 8-3 ATS playing in October. Dallas is 7-3 Under after a divisional game and 6-2 Under after a divisional win, but 8-1 Over after 2 or more wins and 17-12 Over playing on turf.
Monday Night Football: Redskins at Cowboys
By Covers.com
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys (-10, 48.5)
A season-opening loss to San Francisco seems like a lifetime ago for the Dallas Cowboys, who will go for their seventh consecutive victory when they host the Washington Redskins on Monday night. The Cowboys have surged to the top of the NFC East behind an offense featuring DeMarco Murray, the first running back in league history to open a season with seven straight 100-yard games. Dallas has won seven of the last 10 versus Washington, including a season sweep a year ago.
The Redskins snapped a four-game skid last week when coach Jay Gruden benched quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of third-stringer Colt McCoy, who is expected to make his first start since December 2011. However, Gruden employed some gamesmanship by refusing to rule out Robert Griffin III, who has been sidelined since suffering a dislocated ankle in Week 2. "Colt's the starter. We're preparing for Colt to be the starter," Gruden said. "But we're trying to get Robert some reps, get him ready."
LINE HISTORY: Pinnacle Sports opened the Cowboys -8.5 and adjusted to -10. The total opened 49.5 and has dropped to 48.5.
INJURY REPORT: Redskins - S Ryan Clark (Questionable, ankle), CB Tracy Porter (Questionable, hamstring), LB Perry Riley (Questionable, knee). Cowboys - CB Brandon Carr (Probable, hamstring), LB Bruce Carter (Questionable, quad), DE Tyrone Crawford (Out, calf).
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Redskins (+3.75) + Cowboys (-2.25) + home field (-3.0) = Cowboys -9.0
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Washington travels to Dallas after snapping a four-game skid and are double-digit divisional underdogs for the first time since 2009. They are 2-7 ATS in their last nine road games. Despite having the best record in football and riding a six-game winning streak, the Cowboys are getting no respect. Double-digit favorites on Monday after being double-digit dogs two games ago." Covers Expert Matt Fargo.
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (2-5 SU, 2-5 ATS, 4-3 O/U): With Washington in dire need of a victory last week, Gruden made a surprise move by inserting McCoy, who wound up completing 11-of-12 for 128 yards and a touchdown in his first action since attempting one pass last season as a member of the 49ers. While McCoy is keeping the seat warm until Griffin returns, a major concern is the running game. Alfred Morris, who rushed for nearly 2,900 yards in his first two seasons, has managed only 124 over the past three games while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. Washington's defense, which ranks sixth with 321.9 yards allowed but has surrendered an average of 26.1 points, absorbed a big loss when linebacker Brian Orapko (torn pectoral) was lost for the season.
ABOUT THE COWBOYS (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS, 4-3 O/U): Murray rumbled for 128 yards and a touchdown in last week's 31-21 victory over the New York Giants to push his league-leading total to 913 while breaking Hall of Famer Jim Brown's record of six straight 100-yard outings to open a season. “I think we did this as a group, so it’s hard for me to accept this individually,” Murray said. “The offensive line is a huge part of this. ... I definitely give a lot of credit to those guys." Quarterback Tony Romo has multiple TDs in five straight games after throwing for 279 yards and three scores last week, with Dez Bryant hauling in nine balls for 151 yards. Dallas ranked last in total defense last season with an average of 415.3 yards but has cut that number to 343.9 through seven games.
TRENDS:
* Redskins are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings in Dallas.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
* Redskins are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Cowboys last four vs. NFC.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 52 percent of wagers are backing the Dallas Cowboys.
MNF - Redskins at Cowboys
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The expectations on the Cowboys this season weren’t high as many people didn’t have faith in a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league last year. Following a home blowout loss to San Francisco in the season opener, Dallas is riding a six-game winning streak and looks to keep up its momentum on Monday night against a struggling Washington squad.
The Cowboys (6-1) have leaned on their offense throughout this hot stretch, scoring at least 30 points in four of the six victories, including in a 31-21 home triumph over the Giants last Sunday. Dallas erased an early 14-7 deficit with three unanswered touchdowns, including a pair of touchdown tosses by Tony Romo. The Cowboys managed to cover as 4½-point favorites, while improving to 1-0 inside NFC East play.
The Redskins (2-5) scratched and clawed to their second win on the season by needing a late field goal to edge the Titans, 19-17. Washington failed to cash as six-point home favorites, both of its victories have come at FedEx Field against Tennessee and Jacksonville. Kai Forbath kicked four field goals in last week’s victory, including the game-winner from 22 yards out, while Colt McCoy looked sharp by going 11 of 12 with a 70-yard touchdown strike to Pierre Garcon.
McCoy is slated to start on Monday, but that isn’t an iron-clad guarantee, according to head coach Jay Gruden. If and when Robert Griffin III is healthy and ready to play, Gruden will start the ex-Baylor star at quarterback. However, Gruden will turn to another former Big 12 standout in McCoy, who is set to make his first start since back in 2011 as a member of the Browns.
Two years ago, Griffin led the Redskins to a season sweep of the Cowboys, as Washington went on to win the NFC East crown. Last season was a different story, as Dallas returned the favor and won both matchups against Washington, including a 31-16 home victory as 5½-point favorites. The Redskins outgained the Cowboys on the ground, 216-48, but found the end zone just once. Romo wasn’t sharp by throwing for 170 yards, but a 21-yard touchdown pass to Terrence Williams gave Dallas a 21-9 lead as the Cowboys never looked back.
In the second meeting at FedEx Field in Week 16, the Cowboys edged the Redskins, 24-23, but Washington covered as three-point home underdogs. Griffin was sidelined in this matchup, as Kirk Cousins guided the Washington offense to a 23-14 fourth quarter advantage. However, Dan Bailey drilled a 25-yard field goal with six minutes left, then Romo found DeMarco Murray for a 10-yard touchdown with a minute remaining to give Dallas the one-point triumph for their fourth win in their past six trips to Washington.
The miracle run of 2012 seems like a memory for Washington, as the Redskins finished that season at 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS inside the division. Since then, the Redskins have lost eight consecutive games against NFC East opponents, which includes defeats this season against the Eagles and Giants. As a road underdog, Washington has failed to cover seven of its past nine in this role, as the Redskins are 1-2 ATS this season with the lone ATS win at Philadelphia in Week 3 as four-point ‘dogs.
The Cowboys went through a stretch of being a nearly automatic fade as a home favorite, posting a dreadful 3-16 ATS when laying points in Arlington from 2010-12. Dallas has improved recently, even if it hasn’t resulted in major profits. Since 2013, Jason Garrett’s club is 4-4 ATS when laying points at AT&T Stadium, and 7-5 ATS overall at home in this span. Under Garrett, the Cowboys have compiled a 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS record at home off a home victory, which includes a non-cover in an overtime win over the Texans in Week 5.
Dallas is featured under the Monday night lights for the first time since 2012, but the Cowboys have struggled to cover the number in this spotlight. The Cowboys have failed to cash in seven of their past eight Monday contests since 2006, while putting up a 4-4 SU record in this span. At home against division foes in this stretch, Dallas is 2-3 SU and 0-5 ATS, including an 18-16 squeaker against Washington in 2011 as three-point favorites, as the Cowboys kicked six field goals in the win.
Washington is playing on Monday for the second time this season, as the Redskins lost at home to the Seahawks in Week 5 as seven-point underdogs, 27-17. Since 2008, Washington has stunk it up on Mondays, going 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS, but the only road contest came at Dallas in the two-point loss back in 2011.
The ‘over’ run in primetime games has been unreal this season, going 19-4 through 23 night contests. Both teams are 4-3 to the ‘over’ this season with no significant home/road splits. Both meetings last season finished ‘under’ the total, but those games closed at 52 and 51 points. The Redskins and Cowboys each have played one game this season with a total above 50, as both teams went ‘over’ in those contests.
Dallas is listed as a 9½-point favorite at most spots with several 10’s out there. With the success of the Cowboys this season, expect the number to close in double-digits with public money coming in on Dallas. The total is set at 49½ as the game kicks off at 8:30 PM EST and can be seen on ESPN.
NFL: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys haven't lost since a Week 1 setback to San Francisco and look to make it seven straight victories when they host long-time rival Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football. Dallas is currently 9.5 to 10-point favorite for the contest. Not too difficult to make a case for surging 'Pokes' facing a Washington team that has won just 2 of it's past 15 games (4-11 ATS) and enter ridding an 0-8 (2-6 ATS) skid in division games. However, you do bet Dallas with some risk. As bad as Washington is, it’s important to remember history shows Redskins, for whatever reason have come up large for backers when playing in Cowboys' back yard posting a 6-1 ATS mark last seven trips into Dallas. Then we have the fact Cowboys have a habit of disappointing backers on home field laying 8 or more points going 1-6 against the betting line and that road underdogs of 8.0 or more points under Monday Night Light's are on a smart 6-3-1 ATS stretch.
Redskins vs. Cowboys Betting Preview and Pick
By: Larry Hartstein
Sportingnews.com
Washington's Colt McCoy will make his first start in three years when the Redskins visit the Cowboys on Monday at AT&T Stadium (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). McCoy replaced interception machine Kirk Cousins last week and completed 11-of-12 throws for 108 yards and a touchdown in a 19-17 win over the Titans. Washington, however, remains on an 0-4 ATS skid. And it's not like McCoy has a good track record. He has accounted for 22 touchdowns and 32 turnovers in his career, posting a 76.1 passer rating.
Quarterback Robert Griffin III is getting closer to returning from his ankle injury, but it won’t be this week.
The Cowboys continue to look like an offensive juggernaut, ranking first in rushing yards (159.7), third in total yards (402.1) and fifth in points scored (28.0). The Cowboys beat Washington 31-16 at home last year, covering as 5.5-point favorites, but that was Dallas’ only cover in the last eight meetings.
The Line: Cowboys -9.5, Total: 50
Line movement: Dallas opened as low as -7 (-120) at The Wynn and -8 at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook last Sunday, but the line was driven up quickly, hitting -10 in some spots in early wagering. The total has hovered between 49.5 and 50. For updated lines from around Vegas, visit our live odds page.
Trends that matter: Washington is 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games. ...Dallas is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games against divisional foes....Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last seven visits to Dallas....Washington has covered in seven of the last eight meetings....The underdog is on a 24-8 ATS run in this series....The UNDER is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
Strength vs. strength: Dallas’ DeMarco Murray has steamrolled every opponent he’s faced, racking up 913 rushing yards and seven touchdowns with seven straight 100-yard performances. The Redskins aren’t easy to run on. They’re tied for eighth in fewest yards allowed per carry (3.8) and rank 12th in rushing yards allowed per game (103.3). Everyone keeps waiting for Murray to slow down, since he’s already had a whopping 187 carries. But so far he seems immune to breakdowns.
Redskins’ run game stalled: While Tony Romo (career-high 104.7 passer rating) benefits from a dominant run game, Redskins quarterbacks have had no such luck. Running back Alfred Morris hasn’t had a 100-yard outing this season and is averaging a career-low 62.9 yards per game. This could be the night Morris breaks through, as Dallas allows 4.9 yards per carry (tied for 29th).
Injuries that matter: Redskins Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo tore his pectoral muscle last week and is out for the season. He’ll be replaced by second-round pick Trent Murphy.
Cowboys linebacker Bruce Carter returned to practice Thursday after missing three games with a quad injury. He had 25 tackles, a sack and an interception return for a touchdown in the first four games.
Visit here for all Week 8 NFL injuries.
Weather: The game will be played indoors at AT&T Stadium.
The Linemakers lean: We're on the dog Monday night, and we have trends, stats and situational elements to support our position. As mentioned above, the Redskins have owned this series from a spread standpoint, and the underdog in general has thrived. Statistically, Washington;'s offense ranks near the top of the league with 6.4 yards per play. And this spot does not seem favorable for Dallas, who may be lacking for motivation and looking forward to next week's key conference tilt with Arizona. We'll wait for this line to grow ahead of kickoff and take the Skins plus double digits.
NFL Week 8
Redskins (2-5) @ Cowboys (6-1) — Trap game for red-hot Dallas, winners of last six games; they’re 8-3 in last 11 games vs rival Redskins, winning four of last five played here, but three of those four losses were by 3 or less points. Washington snapped 4-game skid last week; they’re 1-2 as road underdogs this year, losing away games by 11-3-10 points- they’re 2-7 overall in last nine games as road dog. Cowboys won last six games (5-1 vs spread); they’re 5-11-1 as home favorites under Garrett, 1-1 this year- they scored 30+ points in four of last five games. Redskins covered in only one of their five losses, with four of five defeats by 10+ points. Four of last five Dallas games, four of last six Redskin games went over total. Coming into this week, over was 19-4 in primetime games this season.
Armadillosports.com
Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys: Monday Night Football Preview
Atssportsline.com
The Washington Redskins (2-5 SU, 2-5 ATS, 4-3 O/U) are hoping to get starting quarterback Robert Griffin III shortly, but may have to wait one more week. Dallas (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS, 4-3 O/U) continues to roll winning six straight, you never know what might happen when they face their rivals. On Monday night, Dallas hosts Washington from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tx, at 8:30pmET (ESPN).
Football Special $25
Last games: (12/22/13): Dallas (+3) over Washington, 24-23; (10/13/13): Dallas (-5.5) over Washington, 31-16.
Opening and Current Odds: Dallas opened as a 7-point betting odds favorite and moved to 9.5 in most books. The total opened at 51 and moved to 49.5.
Weather: Partly cloudy. South wind 12-7. Gusty. Game time temperature: 83.
Key NFL Trends
Washington is
2-7 ATS last 9 Monday games.
1-4 ATS last 5 vs. NFC.
2-6 ATS last 8 vs. NFC East.
Underdog is 24-8 ATS last 32 in series.
Dallas is
6-1 ATS last 7 in October.
0-4 ATS last 4 Monday games.
24-11 last 35 matchups on the over bet in October.
1-7 ATS last 8 in series.
NFL Key Injuries
Washington
S Ryan Clark (ankle) is questionable.
OLB Brian Orakpo (knee) is on the injured reserve.
LB Akeem Jordan (knee) is on the injured reserve.
CB Tracy Porter (hamstring) is questionable.
LB Perry Riley (knee) is questionable.
QB Robert Griffin III (ankle) is doubtful.
Dallas
DE Tyrone Crawford (calf) is out.
LB Bruce Carter (quad) is questionable.
OT Doug Free (foot) is out 2-3 weeks.
Colt McCoy is the man?
Washington is expected to send out their third-string quarterback Colt McCoy, from his old stomping grounds in
Texas against the Cowboys. McCoy replaced Kirk Cousins last week in their win over Tennessee, 19-17. Washington needed a lift in the second half and rookie head coach Jay Gruden made the change to start the second half.
Starting quarterback Robert Griffin III has been out since Week 2 due to a disclocated anle suffered against Jacksonville. He's been getting closer to returning, but is considered doubtful. McCoy, the former Cleveland Browns signal-caller, hasn't started since December 2011.
McCoy was 6-15 in his career at Cleveland, but played extremely well in the second half against the Titans. He finished 11-of-12 for 128 yards and a touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon to halt Washington's four-game losing streak.
Cousins had thrown 10 touchdown passes and nine interceptions in five starts.
Washington's best chance to win this game is to run the ball. Alfred Morris is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry with 124 yards over the past three games. That may have something to do with RGIII not being there because his ability to run has defenses focusing on him.
Defensively, Washington allows just 322 yards per game, to rank sixth in the NFL, but they surreneder 26.1 points per game. They also lost outside linebacker Brian Orakpo for hte season with a torn pectoral muscle.
They do play the run pretty well, allowing 103.3 yards per game and 219 yards per game in the air.
The running game is key
Dallas struggled early on last week, but came back with another impressive win over the New York Giants, 31-21. The star for the Cowboys this season has been running back DeMarco Murray, who set an NFL record by going over 100 yards for seven straight games to start the season. The ability of Dallas to run the football and not just rely on quarterback Tony Romo, allows the defense to get sufficient rest and that's played a part in their resurgence this year.
Romo did throw three touchdown passes last week, while Murry gained 128 yards on 28 carries. Romo has tossed 13 touchdowns with three interceptions since their only loss in Game 1 against San Francisco. Two of his three touchdown passes went to unheralded tight end Gavin Escobar. Dez Bryant led all receivers with nine catches for 151 yards.
The success of the running game is really about Dallas spending three first-round picks on left tackle Tyron Smith, center Travis Frederick and rookie right guard Zack Martin.
Defensively, Dallas allows just 343.9 yards per game and 113.4 yards on the ground. That's not great, but considering they were supposed to be one of the worst defenses of all time, coordinator Rod Marinelli has done a fantastic job. Last season, they ranked last in the NFL, allowing 415.3 yards per game.
Analayis: The Redskins need a big game from Morris, who averages 120.5 yards and has six TDs in his last four games against Dallas. Washington has a young secondary with DeAngelo Hall out for the season with an Achilles injury. Romo should test them early and often.
Boys look for 7th straight win
By Sportsbook.ag
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-5) at DALLAS COWBOYS (6-1)
Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Dallas -9.5, Total: 50
The sizzling-hot Cowboys aim for a seventh straight victory when they host the Redskins on Monday night.
Washington snapped a four-game losing skid last week when third-string QB Colt McCoy replaced Kirk Cousins and led his team to a 19-17 victory over the Titans in the nation's capital. Dallas beat the Giants 31-21 last week for its sixth straight victory (5-1 ATS).
When hosting the Redskins since 1992, the Cowboys are 18-4 SU (12-10 ATS). Last season Dallas won both games SU over Washington, but the teams split wins ATS.
This Cowboys defense has surprised plenty of people this season, as they’re allowing just 19.5 PPG over their past four contests and will be eager to put the pressure on McCoy.
Washington is 25-12 ATS in road games after having lost five or six of its previous seven games since 1992. However, the Redskins are also 4-13 ATS as an underdog over the past two seasons.
Dallas, meanwhile, is 12-3 ATS in the first half of the season over the last two years, but only 7-16 ATS when favored under head coach Jason Garrett.
Both teams will be missing key defensive players in this matchup, as Washington just placed LB Brian Orakpo (pectoral) on IR and lists CB Tracy Porter (hamstring) and LBs Akeem Jordan (knee) and Perry Riley (knee) as questionable. Dallas might not have the services of either LB Bruce Carter (quad) or CB Brandon Carr (hamstring), who are both questionable to play.
The Redskins wisely replaced ineffective QB Kirk Cousins (1,170 pass yards, 10 TD, 9 INT) with Colt McCoy last week and McCoy was able to do exactly what the Redskins needed. He managed the game to perfection, completing 11-of-12 throws for 128 yards (10.9 YPA) and a touchdown, and led his team to a win, which is something Cousins wasn’t able to do in any of his previous four starts.
One thing McCoy won’t have to deal with in Washington is a lack of weapons, as he’ll be throwing the ball to both WRs DeSean Jackson (26 rec, 528 yards, 3 TD) and Pierre Garcon (35 rec, 396 yards, 3 TD). Jackson had just three catches for 49 yards last week, but in the previous two games, he had over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown in each. Garcon has had a touchdown in back-to-back games and is finally getting himself going after a slow start to the year.
One player the Redskins will really need to establish early is RB Alfred Morris (440 rush yards, 3 TD). Morris has really struggled recently, rushing for less than 55 yards in each of the past three games. He has not had 20 carries since Week 3, and Washington would be wise to change that.
The Redskins defense could have a lot of trouble with this potent Dallas offense. They’ve done well in preventing big yardage games from their opponents, but they’re allowing 31.2 PPG over their past five contests.
The Cowboys have won their past six games largely due to the dominant running of RB DeMarco Murray (187 carries, 913 yards and 7 TD, all NFL highs). Murray is the first player in league history to rush for 100+ yards in each of the first seven games of the season. He should be in for yet another big game against this miserable Redskins’ defense.
QB Tony Romo (1,789 rush yards, 14 TD, 6 INT) has been great since his opening week disaster against the 49ers. He’s thrown for 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions since the start of Week 2. As long as he takes care of the football the way he has been, Dallas is going to be a contender in the NFC. He’ll continue looking for his go-to receiver in WR Dez Bryant (45 rec, 590 yards, 4 TD), who has seen 37 targets over the past three weeks. Last Sunday, Bryant had nine catches for 151 yards in the win over the Giants.
Defensively, the Cowboys have been way better than anybody expected. They’re allowing 230.4 passing yards per game (12th in NFL) and 113.4 rushing yards per game (16th in NFL). They’re not dominant in either facet, but they’re solid defending both the pass and the rush, and efficiency of the Dallas offense is the reason this defense ranks second in fewest time of possession (26:27). The Cowboys are allowing just 19.5 PPG over the past four contests.