NFL Betting Preview: Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans

Added on Sep 24, 2010 by Jack Thurman in

NFL

The Dallas Cowboys have started the NFL season 0-2 for the first time in nearly a decade while Houston is 2-0. This game could represent a shocking ‘changing of the guard’ in Texas football, or the Cowboys could get back on the winning track. Jerry Jones has given Cowboys’ coach Wade Phillips a vote of confidence–for this week at least–but everyone around the franchise knows that this game can make or break their entire season.

Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans
September 26, 2010–10:00 AM Pacific

Wade Phillips has called this game ‘an emergency situation’ and we expect the Cowboys to respond. The biggest problem with the team so far has been something that the mainstream sports media hasn’t paid much attention to–the Cowboys’ offensive line is healthy for the first time this year. Mark Colombo and Kyle Kosier are back and with a game under their belt look for better pass protection for Tony Romo and run blocking for Marion Barber, et. al. The defense has been solid so far and the pass rush is particularly good–look for Demarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer to pressure Matt Schaub all afternoon.

The Texans’ biggest liability on defense is in the secondary–even in their win over Indianapolis it’s not like they shut down Peyton Manning. Manning threw for 433 yards and 3 touchdowns. Of bigger concern is the fact that Houston allowed 400+ yards passing to Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins last week and were lucky to get out of DC without a loss. Romo should have a much needed big game, and that could be just what this team needs.

Most significantly, Dallas is a team with their back against the wall. The good news is that they’re a much better team than their 0-2 record would suggest. Houston is a decent team, but they just don’t have the talent and depth that Dallas does. The Cowboys know what’s at stake here and fully expect them to respond. The Cowboys have lost two straight games only twice in the past three seasons–in the game after both two game losing streaks the Cowboys are 2-0 SU and ATS. Dallas wins outright.

Bet Dallas Cowboys +3 over Houston Texans