Via https://www.bloggingtheboys.com
Tennessee Titans (3-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-4) at Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco, California
NFL Week 9: 8:20 ET on Monday, November 5, 2018
Monday Night Football features two teams who are looking to try to consistently get on the winning side, as the Tennessee Titans take on the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams are coming out of their bye week, which should mean that both are well prepared for this contest. Plus, Dallas has just added Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper which should be a boost to their passing attack.
Dallas Cowboys hold the lead in this series, 8-6. The last time they met was in 2014 when the Cowboys beat the Titans 26-10.
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Titans Looking to Improve Performance on the Road
The Tennessee Titans will look to improve their performance on the road on Monday night, as they enter this contest 1-3-0 away from Nashville. Their only victory away from Tennessee this season occurred in a 9-6 victory over Jacksonville back on September 23. Since then, they suffered a one-point loss at Buffalo and a one-point loss against Los Angeles Chargers. Tennessee has currently lost three games in a row, as they lost their only home contest in the last three, being shutout by Baltimore.
The loss to the Chargers two weeks ago was a tough one for Tennessee. Quarterback Marcus Mariota performed well, completing 24 of his 32 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown, and Dion Lewis ran for 91 yards on 13 carries. The Titans pulled within one with 31 seconds left to go but opted to go for the two-point conversion which fell short and they would take the loss.
The one primary area where the Titans have played well this season in pass defense, where they have allowed 1585 yards in seven games this season. Meanwhile, their own passing attack struggled, as Mariota has thrown for only 1030 yards and three touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. Plus, he is been sacked 19 times.
Overall, Tennessee is averaging only 15.1 points per game while giving up 18.1 points on average. They are averaging 280.9 yards per game and offense while giving up 338.7. The running game has looked better behind Lewis, who was rushed for 277 yards on 73 carries.
Cowboys Look to Continue Domination at Home
The Dallas Cowboys enter this contest a perfect 3-0 at home this season, which is good because they have not won in any of their four contests on the road. Dallas lost their last game against the Washington Redskins by three. Dak Prescott pulled them within a field-goal with 1:37 left in the contest when he ran the ball in from 1 yard out for the score. However, Dallas would never get a chance to regain possession of the ball, falling 20-17.
Prescott looked sharp, completing 22 of his 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown. However, he was sacked four times. One of those sacks led to a crucial fumble that was recovered for a touchdown that gave Washington a 10 point lead. Ezekiel Elliott continues to struggle, gaining 33 yards on 15 carries.
Dallas Cowboys are averaging 20 points per game while giving up 17.6 on average. Their offense is averaging 320 yards per contest, but they have been terrible through the air, averaging 183.1 yards per game. Cooper should be a huge addition. Defensively they are only allowing 96.3 yards per game rushing.
Prescott continues to struggle following an outstanding rookie season two years ago. He has completed 62.1% of his passes, but for only 1417 yards and eight touchdowns. Prescott has been sacked 23 times this season. Despite the poor performance against Washington, Elliott is regaining his form, averaging 4.7 yards per carry in a season where he has 619 yards rushing.
Trends:
Tennessee:
- 6-0 ATS in their last six games on Monday Night Football.
- 11-23 ATS in their last 34 games on the road.
- 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games in November.
Dallas:
- 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games against teams with a losing record.
- 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games following a bye week.
- 2-6 ATS in their last eight games in Week 9.
The Winner Prediction
We like Dallas in this contest for several reasons. It starts with the fact that they are coming off of a bye week which has given them an extra week to work with their new wide receiver. Cooper should be good for at least 65 additional passing yards for this team which should result in an additional touchdown.
However, Tennessee is extremely tough defensively and Dallas is not can have an easy time getting a commanding lead in this game. They have a solid defense as well, but Tennessee should provide enough offense to keep this game close giving Dallas a three point victory.
The Pick: Tennessee Titans (+6.5)
The Total
The total is at 40.5 for this contest, and even that looks a bit high. These are two teams averaging 35.1 points combined while only giving up 35.7. That means that points should be at a premium in this contest, a game that Dallas is likely to win 17-14. Therefore, the under looks like the smart bet.
The Pick: Under 40.5