A pair of 0-1 teams will square off Sunday afternoon during the early slate, as both the Cowboys and Falcons will be very keen to enter the win column in Week 2.
For Dallas, a lacklustre showing in all regards derailed their chances for a victory in the opening week. Their offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott looked stagnant, and their much-hyped defense failed to get the necessary amount of pressure on the Rams. Since then injuries have seeped into the Cowboys’ camp, and though there was lots of talk and promise about an improved Dallas side, it doesn’t seem to be materializing.
Atlanta meanwhile let their win slip away at home to Seattle in Week 1. Though their offense showed well, the protection given to Matt Ryan was quite porous. It needs to be better going forward if the Falcons are going to have any shot at improving on a couple of dismal seasons since their infamous Super Bowl collapse.
Even though it’s just Week 2, you can already sense the sheer desperation settling in for some teams. With the uncertainty surrounding this current campaign, wins already are at a premium in the early going. With both Atlanta and Dallas entering this contest 0-1, expect to see some hungry and motivated football. Who can handle the pressure better? Read on below the odds for a full team preview, betting analysis, and winning wager for the Falcons vs. Cowboys.
Cowboys vs. Falcons Betting Odds:
Atlanta Falcons +3.5 (-110)
Dallas Cowboys -3.5 (-110)
Over 54 (-105)
Under 54 (-115)
*Betting odds provided by BetOnline.ag
Cowboys vs. Falcons Pick:
Many thought the Cowboys would bully the NFC East and should’ve been considered Super Bowl favourites this season. I get that we are just one week into the new campaign, though those claims seem laughable thus far. The Cowboys’ offense sputtered last week in Los Angeles, and looked lost in many facets under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
This week has to be different for Dallas, and it should be. Dak Prescott is a decent downfield thrower and should be able to exploit a weakened Atlanta secondary. Last week the Seahawks dominated the Falcons through the air, and while Russell Wilson is elite compared to Prescott – the amount of talent the Cowboys possess at the wideout position should help move the chains.
That’s likely a good thing for Dallas as the Falcons’ defensive front has been much better at stifling opposing running games, and also getting pressure on Prescott. Though there might be openings downfield, both Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott will need to be elusive to find them. If Prescott isn’t getting solid protection, it could be another frustrating outing for Dallas.
With the amount of injuries Dallas has started to leak out, and their weakness against the run – money has started to pour in on the Falcons, and rightfully so. It’s expected the Cowboys will be playing this contest without La’el Collins and Tyron Smith on the offensive line, and as a result the Falcons’ pass rush should be dominant on Sunday. Though the number has fallen considerably throughout the week, still getting over a field goal seems to be good value on Atlanta. Take the Falcons to add to Dallas’ misery here in Week 2.
