New York Giants (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Dallas Cowboys (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
NFL Week 1
Date/Time: Sunday, September 10th, 2017 8:30 PM ET
Where: AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX
TV: NBC
by Keith, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: NYG +4/DAL -4
Over/Under Total: 47.5
The primetime Sunday night contest to open the 2017 NFL Season is one that even the most casual NFL fan can sink their teeth into. The match-up will feature a fierce NFC East rivalry when the New York Football Giants head to Big D to face off with the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants defeated the Cowboys on both occasions in 2016 and currently own a three-game winning streak over Americas Team. The Cowboys finished 13-3 in the regular season in 2016, owning the top seed in the NFC as they headed into the postseason. The Cowboys were knocked off in the Divisional Round when the Green Bay Packers handed the Cowboys a loss in Big D. The Giants also managed to make the playoffs, as a wildcard seed but were also sent home in the first weekend by the Green Bay Packers. Kick-off is scheduled at 8:30 PM with the game to be broadcasted nationally on NBC from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
In the early stages, we have noticed a lean on the Cowboys, likely as a reaction to what has transpired regarding standout back Ezekiel Elliot. Overall in this rivalry series as of late, the Giants have found ways to beat the Cowboys in the most absurd of manners. As a whole, the NFC East is expected to be a Snakes Den in 2017. This spiders lair of teams consists of four constituents that can all find themselves vying for the post-season, similar to what we saw last year. The Redskins and Eagles finished 8-7-1 and 7-9, respectively. Detroit crept ahead of Washington to secure the final playoff berth or perhaps the NFC East would have dominated post-season appearances with a maximum of three possible seeds. In 2017, the Eagles are expected to take leaps forward as well as the Redskins. The Giants and Cowboys are forecasted to have a lower ceiling but nevertheless competitive floor. This early season match-up will likely set the tempo for both participants be that the winner will own a much-needed win and some added momentum to propel them forward.
The Giants made some notable acquisitions in the off-season. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall will stay at MetLife Stadium when he swapped his Gang Green jersey for a Big Blue one. With Victor Cruz leaving for Chicago, Marshall will step in as a dynamic one-two punch to aid perhaps the games best receiver in Odell Beckham, Jr. In addition to Marshall joining the fold, New York picked up a multi-purpose running back in the NFL Draft in former UCLA Bruin, Paul Perkins. Perkins is expected to make an immediate impact and will undoubtedly be another tool to be equipped in an evolving offense. Additionally, first round draft choice Tight End Evan Engram could make a splash as a rookie, as well. The Tight End position for the Giants in particular has been one of great productivity and Engram is regarded as a prototype for the position.
The storyline surrounding the Cowboys is of course the potential six-game ban for Ezekiel Elliot. The good news for Cowboys enthusiasts is that he has been given the nod to play Week One with his status still pending. The result of this revelation is reflected in a line movement on the Cowboys. Nevertheless, the Giants have had the emotional edge in this series as of late and the intangibles have gone in their favor. As a result, we will go the other way and fade the public. The Giants were in Big D last year and picked up the win, they have tangible expertise on how to beat this team on the road and have had the Cowboys number more than anyone. In addition, we have to mention that quarterback Dak Prescott is heading into his second year in the league after emerging as the Cowboys starter with an injury to franchise quarterback Tony Romo. As we have seen in years past with sophomore efforts, attrition is likely on top for Prescott. This opening fixture against the Giants could be the catalyst for that step back.
KEITHs Pick to Cover the Point Spread: NEW YORK GIANTS +4. Bet your pick for this game using your credit card at an online bookie where it WILL work for deposits and where you’ll receive a generous 100% signup bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $250! (Example: Deposit $250 and they’ll give you an extra $250 FREE!) Find this great offer at Bovada Sportsbook.