New York Giants (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Dallas Cowboys (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
NFL Week 1
Date and Time: Sunday, September 8, 8:30pm EST
Where: AT&T Stadium Arlington, Texas
TV: NBC
by Bob, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: NYG/DAL -3
Over/Under Total: 48.5
Bet your Giants/Cowboys pick at an online betting site that is currently offering a “deposit $100 and get a FREE $100 bet” deal: Sportsbook.
These are the types of week one matchups I like to discuss! Right off the bat, the New York Giants will travel into Texas to take on America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants are always considered a title contender, and the Dallas Cowboys claim to be in the running themselves this season. We have heard it all before from the Cowboys, but to many experts, this season just seems a bit different, as if the Cowboys really will be a team in the hunt for a Lombardi. This is a great NFC East rivalry game to kickoff our season, lets take a look at these two squads.
Needless to say, the New York Giants season was a little disappointing last year. Coming off a Super Bowl victory, expectations were high, and not only did the Giants not win it all, they didn’t even sniff post season play. The Giants suffered on both sides of the ball at times all last season, but we have a fresh start and I think this Giants team will once again contend come December and January. Led by Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, and a ton of role players, I like the Giants offense to be gritty and eat up lots of clock this year. In my opinion, the Giants are the team to beat in the East. Yes, I know about RG3 and yes I know about the new offense Chip Kelly is running up in Philly. Regardless of all of that, New York is the most well balanced team in the NFC East.
Is this finally going to be the season when Tony Romo makes a deep post season run? Wide receiver, Dez Bryant is talking a big game already, and many believe he could establish himself as the most explosive wideout in the game, and that’s including Calvin Johnson of Detroit. This Dallas offense will be fun to watch, but the key to this game is defense. They need to eliminate the big play by New York and cause them to make mistakes. If the Cowboys can get their passing game in rhythm, and the defense can keep Eli and company in check. Dallas just may start this season off on the right foot.
Like I always say, week 1 of NFL is very hard to predict. It seems like every season there are two or three surprise teams that come out of nowhere, and there are a also a few teams that have high expectations that crumble, whether it be due to injury or just flat out bad football. I normally don’t base week 1 projections on stats from previous seasons, but both of these teams have faced off quite a few times, with little roster changes. So let’s take a quick look at some numbers. In games in which the point spread is -3 to +3, Dallas has only covered 4 of their last 13 games, while the Giants have had more success by posting an 8-4 record in the last 12. Not only do the Giants have more success in tight point spread contests, but they are also on a 10-3 run when the line closes with them as the underdog. Dallas on the other hand, has only covered in 4 of their last 12 games. Like I said earlier, its tough to make a logical selection in a week one game, but looking at the numbers, I like the Giants to go on the road and cover the 3 points they are being given. Look for a 24-23 or 21-20 type ball game, and look for the G-Men to put a little dough in your pocked.
Football Betting Tip: Imagine how much money you’d have saved over the years if you had bet on games at -105 odds rather than -110! TONS! Start saving money today by making the switch to reduce vigorish betting at the web’s best sportsbook: BetAnySports.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: As stated above, based on recent history, the Giants are the pick. This is a huge rivalry and both teams are looking to get the inside track on winning the division. Not only do I like the stats I shared, I honestly trust the Giants more than I do the Cowboys. I believe New York not only covers the spread, but wins the game outright. Let’s go ahead and accept the gift of 3 points we have been given and roll with the New York Football Giants!!! PICK: NEW YORK GIANTS +3