St. Louis Rams(1-1SU,0-2ATS) vs.Dallas Cowboys(1-1SU,2-0ATS)
NFL Week3
Date and Time:September 22, 1:00 PM E
Where:(AT&T Stadium)
TV:FOX
byJeffHochman,Pro Handicapper, JHSportsline.com
Point Spread:STL+4/DAL -4
Over/Under Total:47
The Dallas Cowboys lost a tough game last week as a costly fumble byLance Dunbar sealed their fate. Dallas out-played the Chiefs in losing 17-16 as 3-point road underdogs. The Cowboys offensive line did a great job in pass protection and theunitas a whole looks a lot better thanat any timelast season. The Rams lost to the Falcons 31-24 as 7-point road dogs despite out-gaining Atlanta by 28 yards. St. Louis was down 24-3 at halftime and struggledmightilyto get back in the game. The Rams rushed for69 yards while the Falcons managed just 36 yards on the ground. Both teams lit it up through the air and that’s the NFL of today. We continue a strong trend with teams passing close to 65% of the time. The rules favor gaining yards through the air than on the ground. As the weather gets colder you will see more teams try to run the ball more often.
The St. Louis Rams do rank better on offense in the passing game with over 600 yards, good for 4th placeamongall NFL teams. Dallas doesn’t even crack the Top 15 as they are ranked 16th in the NFL with 525 passing yards. The Rams and Cowboys mirror each other in the running game as the Rams check in at 25th and Dallas is right behind at No. 26. On defense, Dallas is ranked 25th overall and 24th against the pass,while the Rams new and improved defense has struggled to find its groove. They are ranked 24th overall and 27th against the pass. It’s early in the season and these figures are likely to change numerous times.
This game will be won in the passing game. Both teamshave beenstout against
the run this season. I don’t expect this game to be different. Tony Romoand
Sam Bradford will likelyaccumulatea lot of passing yards. It would not
shock me if bothQB’sthrow for at least 280 yards with 2 touchdowns each.
Dallas is still adjusting to the new 4-3 scheme while the Rams are nicked-up
in the secondary. If you think Special Teams is important than you will
want to back the home team. Dallasis ranked No. 5 while the Rams check
in at No. 22. The average starting fieldpositionfavors Dallas by almost
20 yards.
CarlCheffers’ officiating crew will work this game. The last timeCheffersworked a Cowboys game came inWeek 11, 2010, a 35-19 win against the Detroit Lions.Cheffers’ crewworked the Jets/Pats in Week 2 and called 13 penalties with 11 acceptedpenalties, including two disqualifications.The the last time these two teams met was back in October of 2011. Dallas won easily 34-7 as 14-point home chalk. They out-gained the Rams by almost 200 yards. A.J.Feeleystarted for the Rams and threw for just 196 yards. TonyRomowent 14-of-24 for 166 yards and twotouchdowns, but it wasDeMarcoMurray who stole the show. Murray rushed for a franchise career-high of 253 yards on 25 carries. Look for the Rams to be pumped up against the run in this game.
TheDallas Cowboys are 10-0SUand 7-3 ATS in Game 3 over the last 10 years.are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 1. The St. Louis Rams are 8-18-1 ATS vs. the NFC East.The Over is 19-7 in the Cowboys last 26 home games.
Jeff’sPick to Cover the Point Spread:Dallas Cowboys -4
Not the strongest pick by any means. Jeff Fisher is one of your better coaches as an Underdog. Jason Garrett has gone 7-17-1 ATSas a favorite in his coaching career.Proceedwith caution.
