Sept 5th, 2008 – NFL
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns
Preview
The Dallas Cowboys are the hot favorite to win the NFC Championship this year. They literally have zero weak links in their personnel. From Marion Barber to Tony Romo to Terrell Owens and that ridiculous defensive roster, this team has the mark of a champion written all over it.
The same could be said for the Browns, but there is a general fear that Derek Anderson is not up to snuff. Any quarrel between him and Brady Quinn could amount in to a huge disruption in chemistry.
Cleveland Offense vs. Dallas Defense
The Browns offense is centered around a strong offensive line and the underappreciated arm of Derek Anderson. However, an assortment of injuries that are nagging the quarterback could affect his performance. The Cowboys had the thirteenth best pass defense, only giving up 213.06 yards per game through the air. Terrene Newman may be slow with the groin injury he is nursing, but Pacman Jones can pick up the slack.
The Dallas secondary will have their hands full with a trio of talented receivers in Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow Jr. and Donte Stallworth. However, their front-seven is what Cleveland should be worried about. Marcus Spears and Demarcus Ware were animals last year, and Ware will be looking to feast on Derek Anderson’s carcass all day long, making life difficult for the quarterback to get the game in to any sort of rhythm.
Dallas Offense vs. Cleveland Defense
Cleveland has a defense? If you looked at their numbers from last year, the you wouldn’t have thought they did. They literally rank twentieth or below in every important defensive statistic all throughout the 2007 stat rankings. However, brining in Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams will shore up the defensive line’s interior run defense. The task will be up to Marion The Barbarian to get the job done on the ground. You can bet he does.
Tony Romo is the kind of fun loving guy that loves to use all of his weapons. Cleveland didn’t make any significant improvement to a horrific secondary. They ranked 24th in passing defense last year, surrendering 230.06 yards per game. Romo must be licking his chops to tear this team apart.
NFL Betting Trends
-Dallas is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
-Dallas is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
-Cleveland is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games
-Cleveland is 5-0 ATS ion their last 5 games at home
Final Verdict
The Dallas Cowboys may have wounded their betting investors down the stretch last season, but don’t expect them to lose the opener to Cleveland. This game will set the tempo for either team. Cleveland either kick starts a redemption year as they march towards the playoffs, or Dallas steals one on the road on their way to the Superbowl. I predict the latter will happen in a scoring bonanza.
That’s right. Bonanza.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns
Sunday, September 7th — Browns Stadium, Cleveland — 4:15pm EST
NFL Betting Line: Dal -4.5 (48.5)
