NFL Betting – Cowboys vs Chargers Pick
On a busy sports betting weekend that includes everything from Army/Navy to a UFC title fight, it’s tough to figure out what to watch – and wager on. One event I’ll watch closely is the Chargers/Cowboys game this Sunday afternoon, as it features two potent offenses and darkhorse Super Bowl contenders. Let’s break down the matchup.
San Diego Chargers @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, December 13, 4:15 p.m. ET
Sportsbook favorite: Cowboys -3
It’s interesting to see the Cowboys favored in this game because, if you talk to your betting buddies, most are backing the Chargers. That’s because San Diego has won 15 straight December games, not to mention seven straight overall this season.
There’s plenty to like about the Chargers in this matchup. Their potent passing attack has been the main source of their surge up the standings; Phil Rivers, one of the league’s most underrated passers, makes few mistakes. He’s also really clicking with Antonio Gates, who is on pace to break Kellen Winslow Sr.’s NFL single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end (1,290).
NFL betting sharps are also scared off by the Cowboys because of Tony Romo’s horrific track record in December. However, looking at all the information differently may change your mind about this game. First off, there’s Romo. While December is his worst statistical month, he showed signs of reversing the trend last week. On the road versus the Giants, Romo threw for a career-best 392 yards and three touchdowns.
There’s also mounting evidence that the Chargers are pretenders. Of their nine victories this season, two came against Oakland, two came against Kansas City and one came against Cleveland. Those teams’ passing offenses rank 31st, 28th and 30th in the league, respectively. Suddenly, San Diego’s No. 8 pass defense rank looks pretty inflated, doesn’t it? Also consider that the anemic Brady Quinn threw for 271 yards and three scores against San Diego in Week 13; that’s the same Brady Quinn who completed 31.6 per cent of his passes for 90 yards on Thursday versus Pittsburgh.
We also shouldn’t underestimate the power of Cowboys’ stadium, where Dallas is 5-1 this year. The Cowboys are the more battle-tested team and I think they’ll expose the Chargers this Sunday. Pick the Cowboys to end San Diego’s December run.
NFL pick: Take the DALLAS Cowboys -3
Add comment December 11th, 2009