Week 5: Houston vs Dallas Expert Preview
Week 5 of the NFL season will feature a match-up between the Houston Texans (3-1) and the Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at AT&T Stadium. Cappers Picks will provide free NFL picks all season.
It’s an all-Texas affair this week in Dallas as the Texans from Houston will make the short trip north to visit the Cowboys.
Bet on NFL Week 5 Football!
Houston vs. Dallas
When: Sunday, Oct 5th 2014 at 1:00pm ET
Where: AT&T Stadium
TV: CBS
NFL Week 5 ATS Gambling Line: Cowboys -6.5
NFL Week 5 Gambling O/U Line: 46.5 Points
***2014 BONUSES***
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This AFC vs NFC clash holds big implications for both teams. The Cowboys sit tied for first in the NFC East while the Texans sit alone atop the AFC South. The Cowboys are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles who have a very winnable home game against the Rams this week, while the Texans have a small amount of breathing room over the 2-2 Indianapolis Colts who are at home to the Ravens in week 5.
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It looks as if both teams need a win here to keep their hold on the lead in their respective divisions.
Texans
Houston has been somewhat of a surprise team to start the season. I think we all predicted that they would be better than their awful 4-12 record a season ago, but I don’t think many of us would’ve had them sitting atop their division at the quarter pole.
This team has returned to its roots from when they were a force in the South, and have stymied teams with some very good defensive play. Houston has surrendered just 67 points in four games (16.8 points/game) good enough for sixth in the NFL. This defense is the definition of bend but don’t break as they are giving up a lot of yards at 367 per game, including 130 yards per game on the ground (24th in the NFL).
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Many coaches will tell you though, the only numbers that matter are the ones on the scoreboard and the Texans have been keeping that number low this year.
On offense the Texans are doing just enough to get wins. They’ve scored 87 points in four games (21.8 points/game). They hover around 20th in the league in total yards per game, rush yards and pass yards per game.
Cowboys
Dallas proved a lot of people wrong (myself included) last week when they wiped out New Orleans in pretty impressive fashion. The Cowboys offense steamrolled the Saints and they continued to pound the ball on the ground.
The Cowboys lead the league in rush yards per game at 165 and running back DeMarco Murray has not been held to under 100 yards rushing yet this season. Dallas sits eighth in total yards per game and fourth in points. We all knew the offense would have to bail out a pretty sub-par defense this year and they have answered the call big time.
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Jekyl and Hyde is the name of this team on defense. Was last week’s game against the Saints a sign of a team finding their way on D, or are they more like the team that gave up 31 points to a third string QB in their win over the Rams two weeks ago?
Thankfully Houston doesn’t boast a very dynamic offense and the Cowboys should be able to keep the Texans in check this week.
Week 5 Texans vs. Cowboys 4* Free Pick
I like the Cowboys to win this one, but something about that 6.5 point spread isn’t sitting well with me. Houston hasn’t really beaten any teams worth mentioning and they were exposed against the Giants two weeks ago. Still, I think this defense gets in Tony Romo’s face enough to force a few turnovers and keep the score close. Dallas edges it but in a close one, 24-20.
Pick the Texans +6.5 (-110)
Check out our Updated NFL Week 5 Odds.
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