Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans
Betting Line: Texans -2.5 o/u 47
By
John J. Raspanti
It’s a battle for state bragging rights as the 2-0 Texans take on the 0-2 Cowboys. That of course is no typo as the Texans are undefeated and the Cowboys have lost there first two.
The Texans started the season by taking on and defeating the Colts 34-24. This past weekend they visited the Redskins and where trailing 27-10 after 3 quarters. But unlike past Houston teams, these Texans don’t fold there tents and go home. They came roaring back and stunned the Skins in overtime 30-27. Quarterback Matt SChaub was tremendous against the Skins completing 38 of 52 passes for a whopping 497 yards! Running back Arian Foster had an average Game but can break a big one anytime he touches the ball. Wide receiver’s Amore Johnson and Kevin Walter went wild GAining over 300 yards between them and catching 23 passes.
The Cowboys on the other hand are shell shocked. They thought they snuck past Washington in the last few seconds of there opener, only to have a penalty give it back to the Skins. Returning home they felt confident they would bouNCe back against a Bears team that had looked unimpressive in there first Game. The Boys started impressively forcing Bears quarterback Jay Cutler to run for his life, and offensively moving the ball. But before you could say “how about them Cowboys” quarterback Tony Romo threw an interception and the Bears adjusted to the mad rushes. The Cowboys lost 27-20. Romo ended up completing 34 passes for 397 yards but his two interceptions were rally killers. Marion Barber GAined only 31 yards on the ground, but Miles Austin caught 10 passes for 142 yards. Tight end Jason Witten sustained a coNCussion against the Bears but will most likely be cleared to play.
The Cowboys could easily be zero and three after this Game with coach Wade Phillips looking over his shoulder. The Texans offense is number one in the league in total yards per Game (440) points per Game (32) and rushing per Game (157). Defensively they aren’t nearly as impressive which gives Dallas a real chance to put it together. The Cowboys have to cut out the mistakes and mix it up with effective running and passing. There’s some pride at play here too, the Cowboys do not want to be the second best team in Texas. Expect them to play hard and fight. The Texans will have there loud and loyal fans cheering them on, the question is can they put together three impressive Games?
This is a Cowboy team, and coach, that has never lived up to expectations. They have done nothing but choke in some of the biggest spots they have had over the last few years. This is a big spot. Expect that trend to continue. We’re going to lay the -2.5 with what may be the better team. Texans -2.5
DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Dallas’s last 13 Games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas’s last 7 Games on the road
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 Games on the road
Dallas is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 Games on the road
HOUSTON
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 Games
Houston is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 Games
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 Games at home
Houston is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 Games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 6 Games at home