NOTE: If you’re looking for
the 2015 Week 11 matchup between these teams, please go here: Cowboys
vs. Dolphins Week 12 Pick.
Miami Dolphins (3-7 SU, 4-6 ATS) at Dallas Cowboys (6-4 SU, 4-5-1 ATS)
Thursday November 24th, 2011. 4:15PM EST, NFL Week 12
Cowboys Stadium Arlington, TX
By Jay Horne, Pro Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Mia +7/DAL -7
Over/Under Total: 44
Bet the Phins/Pokes game using your credit card at an online sportsbook where it WILL work for deposits: Bodog.
The Dallas Cowboys will renew their Thanksgiving tradition this Thursday when they host the Miami Dolphins inside Cowboys Stadium. Each year the Cowboys have the luxury of entertaining the nation as we celebrate Thanksgiving which is possibly one of the greatest NFL traditions to date. One thing that Dallas has done well in recent years is capturing wins on Thanksgiving Day. In fact, the Cowboys have won 4 of the last 5 games on Thanksgiving with their only loss coming last year to the Saints 30-27. This Thursday the Cowboys will enter as 7 point favorites over the 3-7 Dolphins as they look to keep that trend going.
For Miami, the Dolphins have had a rather interesting ride through their 2011 campaign. After losing their first 7 games this year, the Dolphins have rallied back to win their last 3 games. Last week the Dolphins blew out the Buffalo Bills 35-8. It was the 2nd blowout victory from Miami in their last 3 wins. Needless to say, the Dolphins are starting to play well. The Dolphins defense should be given a lot of credit to their recent success. After all, the Dolphins defense has held opponents to just 20 points combined over the last 3 games. The defense has played solid all season long, but earlier this year the offense could not sustain any success moving the football.
The offense has improved with QB Matt Moore which has been all the difference. The Dolphins have not been explosive on offense but they have kept their defense in solid field position which has been a big difference. Of course QB Matt Moore has improved throwing the football which has given the offense a much needed boost. Moore has completed 72% passing for 613 yards with 6 scores and just 1 pick in the last 3 games. The resurgent passing game has given star WR Brandon Marshall the opportunity to become a major factor in the offense once again. Marshall has posted solid numbers in recent weeks and he will be a primary target against a rather suspect Cowboys defense. If Miami can get the pass game going, they should be able trade punches with the Cowboys and possibly pull off the victory.
The Cowboys will enter this Thursday’s contest fresh off a hard fought 27-24 overtime victory over the Redskins. The win marked the Cowboys 4th victory in their last 5 games. This week the Cowboys have the opportunity to get right back in the thick of the NFC East race with a win over the Dolphins. One big reason for the Cowboys turning the corner this season after such a slow start can be given credit to rookie running back DeMarco Murray. Murray has posted 674 yards on the ground in the last 5 games which is more than any other running back in the NFL over that time period. The success in the ground game has taken some much needed pressure off QB Tony Romo whose play drew a lot of criticism earlier this year.
In fact, Romo has not thrown an interception in 3 straight weeks despite tossing 8 touchdown passes. In last week’s win over Washington, Romo 23 of 37 passing for 292 yards with 3 scores. If Romo can keep that type of production going and Murray can keep pounding out yards on the ground, the Cowboys should be able to make a run at the playoffs which is good news if you consider this team was just 3-4 a few weeks ago.
WR Dez Bryant has big play potential and gives the Cowboys a homerun threat in the passing game. Bryant had a few big catches late in the win over Washington and has put together some solid performances in recent weeks. As many know, Bryant has been bothered with a hip injury this season but appears to be recovering. Miami’s defense has not played well against prominent receivers this year so it will be interesting to see if Bryant can make his presence felt when the two teams collide this Thursday.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Despite winning 4 of the last 5 games, the Cowboys really have not played that great. This team was blown out by the Eagles and then struggled against both Seattle and Washington. This Miami offense is really playing well right now and I believe they will have something for the Cowboys this Thursday. Take Miami +7 to possibly win the game!
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