NFL Football Betting Preview
Dallas Cowboys (8-3) at New York Giants (6-5)
Sunday December 6th, 4:15PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – Dallas -1 ½, 45 ½

The Dallas Cowboys have the outright lead in the NFC East, but the road to a division title goes through the Meadowlands this Sunday when they will take on the New York Giants. As for the Giants, they have completely deteriorated in recent weeks losing 5 of the last 6 games after a perfect 5-0 start this year. The Giants defense has faced a lot of criticism and perhaps rightfully so.

New York allowed both Philadelphia and New Orleans to rack up 40 plus points while the defense has also given up at least 20 points in their last 6 straight games during their disappointing stretch. However, the Giants have won their last 3 out of 4 against the Cowboys including at 33-31 victory in big D earlier this season. If the Giants are going to the things headed back in the right direction, it must be this Sunday against the Cowboys as another loss would heavily dampen any possibilities at the playoff picture.

Outside of the Giants ongoing defensive problems, they have been solid for the most part on the offensive side of the ball. QB Eli Manning has completed 60% and racked up 2,684 yards during the season. WR Steve Smith is a superstar on the rise catching 72 passes for 862 yards and 5 scores this season. Smith is a young wide out who has things looking bright in Giants country along with some more young talented wide outs Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks. Both Nicks and Manningham have combined for an additional 77 catches and 1,200 yards receiving while posting 4 touchdowns a piece as well.

The Giants running game definitely has not been the over dominating force it was a year ago which may be a contributing factor to the defensive struggles. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw is listed as questionable with an ankle injury meaning Brandon Jacobs who is already the starter should get the entire work load. Jacobs needs to come through for the Giants and help keep their defense off the field. If that does not happen, it will be up to Manning to lead the Giants to their 4th win over the Cowboys in the last 5 games.

Don’t look now but the Cowboys have won 6 of their last 7 games. However, things were not looking very pretty after a loss to Green Bay and being held scoreless for 3 quarters against Washington in back to back efforts a few weeks back. However, the Cowboys roared back to capture a convincing win on Thanksgiving over Oakland 24-7 and now try to avoid the “December collapse.” One reason the Cowboys may not experience the lackluster ending that they have for many years in a row is that this season they have a running game that can control the football. Instead of an offense that could only rely on the passing attack, QB Tony Romo has help on the ground this season.

Running back Marian Barber is still the hard running back that can punish defenses. Also, both Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are promising young talents that can come in to make plays as well. However even with a revived running game, Romo is still the guy that will determine how far Dallas will go this year. One thing that is certain is that if WR Miles Austin can continue to carry the weight of the big play threat as he has been given over the 2nd half of the season then the offense will be in good shape. Austin is averaging 19.6 yards per carry with 8 scores and look for him to be a factor if the Giants secondary has more problems.

Pick – Both offenses have been sluggish in recent weeks and I believe this will be a defensive game as the 2nd meeting in this rivalry usually becomes. Take under 45 ½