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DETROIT LIONS (3-0) vs. DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1)
When: Sunday, October 2, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Irvine, Texas
Broadcast: FOX
Spread: Dallas Cowboys -1
Moneyline: Detroit Lions +100, Dallas Cowboys -120
Total: 46 points
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In what is one of the marquee matchups on the 2011 Week 4 NFL schedule, the undefeated Detroit Lions head to Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys. While the Lions have looked impressive in all three of their victories so far, the Cowboys have scratched and clawed their way to their two victories this season. Sunday will be a good test for both clubs. Are the Lions for real? Are the Cowboys destined to disappoint again this season? Needless to say, it should be a very interesting encounter.
The Detroit Lions appear to have all the pieces in place to be the surprise team of the NFL this season. Offensively they are averaging 33.7 points per game and defensively they are as good as any young team in the league. Matthew Stafford has averaged 325 yards per game passing and his Number One target Calvin Johnson already has 16 catches, 225 yards and six, count them six touchdowns. Brandon Pettigrew is all that we expected and the running game, although not spectacular is keeping defenses honest. Detroit is a handful offensively for sure!
The Detroit defense has been superb this season as well and Sunday could mark the debut of Nick Fairley. The Lions are currently ranked 6th in the NFL with an average of 301 yards allowed per game.
Dallas is 2-1 but not a convincing 2-1. It took an incredible play against San Francisco and an amazing third and 21 conversion against Washington to get the Cowboys to 2-1. Dallas is gutting it out for sure – Tony Romo, Felix Jones and Dez Bryant have all played through significant injuries that won’t quite be healed in time for Sunday’s showdown.
The Cowboys offense is 5th ranked overall with 412.3 yards per game and the team is averaging a respectable 23 points in those contests. They failed to get in the end zone against Washington settling for six field goals in the win – something that is of some concern. However, any questions about this offense’s toughness were certainly answered. Keep an eye on the injury reports ahead of this game. While Romo and Jones are almost certain to play, there are still some questions about the availability of Dez Bryant.
The Dallas defense has responded in a big way to Rob Ryan so far this season. They are leading the league in sacks (13) and they are giving up a measly 61.3 yards on the ground. The defense for once is the best part of the Cowboys team.
The odds makers have the Dallas Cowboys as a -1 point favorite with an over/under of 46.
Betting Outlook: The Detroit Lions are 5-0 ATS in their last five games as an underdog but they have lost six of the last seven games SU against the Cowboys. Dallas is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against Detroit.
If there is one thing that we know is that this game will be close. Dallas has a nine game streak in which the contest was decided by three points or less. It will be a focal point of the Lions to keep the league’s best pass rush away from Matt Stafford – something that Detroit has done very well this season. With a banged up Cowboys team and with a ridiculously poised and confident Lions team, the underdog is the play here. Detroit gets it done on Sunday with yet another offensive explosion!
Pick: Detroit Lions +1
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Detroit Lions Betting Trends:
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit’s last 5 games
- Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- Detroit is 7-0-1 ATS in its last 8 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit’s last 5 games on the road
Dallas Cowboys Betting Trends:
- The total has gone OVER in 14 of Dallas’s last 16 games
- Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- Dallas is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas’s last 10 games at home
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