Posted on November 2, 2019, by Travis Pulver
On paper, a game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants does not look like it would be a good one. The two teams are just in different places; Dallas is ready to compete while the Giants are in rebuild mode.
But when it comes to games against rivals, guys find a way to play above and beyond their capabilities.
The Cowboys beat the Giants in Week One by 18, but Eli Manning was still lining up under center for the Giants. But is Daniel Jones going to be an upgrade, or will Dallas make him look like a clueless rookie? Manning threw for 300+ yards back in Week One; can Jones do the same this week?
Table of Contents
Dallas Cowboys News
The Cowboys have feasted on weaker teams, but that may be easier said than done this week. While they will have their offensive line intact, Tyron Smith and La’el Collins are nursing injuries. Should one or both go down during the game, the Dallas offense could be in trouble.
The offense has struggled in the past without its starting offensive line.
It has not been made official, but the defense will likely be without Leighton Vander Esch. The star linebacker suffered a neck injury against the Eagles. While he has had two weeks to recover, according to the rumor mill, he has not recovered enough to play.
However, the defense will still be in good hands because Sean Lee will step back into the starter’s role.
Back in their Week One matchup, the Cowboys recorded only one sack. But this time, they will also have Robert Quinn and the newly acquired Michael Bennett in the lineup.
New York Giants News
Technically, the Giants are still in the playoff picture at 2-6, but making the postseason is not a realistic goal this year. The Giants just need to focus on playing better ball with each passing week. With Sterling Shepard expected to return this week, Daniel Jones is going to have an impressive collection of skill players at his disposal (Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, Golden Tate, Darius Slayton, and Shepard.
Dallas has been tough against the run (96.9 yards/game allowed) this season, but not so tough against the pass (247.6 yards/game allowed).
However, the Giant’s problem may not be whether they can exploit the Dallas secondary, but whether they can limit their own mistakes. So far this season they have been outscored 38-0 in the first quarter. They have also had turnover issues, and special teams miscues as well.
Our Betting Tips/Prediction
If the same version of the Cowboys that faced the Jets in the Meadowlands a couple of weeks ago shows up, then the Giants will have a shot at recording an upset. But even if that does happen, the Giants are far from a lock to win—they are too mistake-prone.
For the Giants to win, they have to clean up the mistakes and hope that the Cowboys come out flat and uninspired. Otherwise, they don’t stand a chance. It looks like the Cowboys got their heads back on straight with the win over the Eagles before the bye.
Don’t count on them to come out flat.
So—how should you bet?
Take the Cowboys to win (-265) over the Giants (+225), straight up and against the spread (-6.5). As for the over/under (48.5)—take the over. Dallas will score plenty, and the Giants will score enough to make it happen (odds via DraftKings).