When the New England Patriots fell to the Cleveland Browns in one of the most surprising results of last year\u2019s regular season, it was simply an aberration for a team that went on to win 14 games and clinch the best record in the NFL. <\/p>\n
Venue\/Stadium: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts<\/strong> Fast-forward one year later, and although the circumstances may be different, it appears as though the Patriots\u2019 week three loss to the Buffalo Bills may fall under the same category. One week after dismissing the division rival New York Jets on home turf, New England will host the Dallas Cowboys looking to remain perfect at home heading in to their bye.<\/p>\n The Cowboys came within one quarter of entering their bye on a three-game winning streak, but a second-half collapse against the Detroit Lions sent them in to their break at .500. The time away allowed quarterback Tony Romo to rest his injured ribs, while giving the rest of the team the chance to recover from nagging injuries. Dallas will need to be at their best with two of their next three away from home, with trips to New England and Philadelphia on the schedule for the coming weeks. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n While Romo has led the Cowboys and the league\u2019s third-ranked passing game, now is as good a time as any for head coach Jason Garrett to give a talented stable of running backs the chance to prove what they can do.<\/p>\n It will take a Dallas offense that is firing on all cylinders to keep up with a Patriots\u2019 offense that ranks first in total offense, more than 40 yards per game ahead of the New Orleans Saints for top spot. <\/p>\n The problem in New England has been the uninspiring play of a defense that is giving up a league-high 326.6 yards per game through the air, something that will become a major issue if it isn\u2019t fixed before the postseason. <\/p>\n The Patriots have shown that regardless of how their defense performs this team lives and dies by the arm of Tom Brady and the offense, and beyond a tough loss at Buffalo this group has shown little signs of weakness. <\/p>\n If Romo and the Cowboys\u2019 offense click they should be able to keep this one close for a while, but in the end New England is simply too strong at home.<\/p>\n
\nTime\/Date: Sunday October 16, 2011 \u2013 4:15 PM ET<\/strong>
\nNFL Odds from TheGreek<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Patriots -265<\/strong>
\nSpread (ATS): Patriots -6.5<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 55<\/strong><\/p>\n