Free Monday Night Football Picks on Eagles/Cowboys

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Sportsadvisors

Philadelphia (1-0 SU and ATS) at Dallas (1-0 SU and ATS)

A matchup between bitter NFC East rivals caps Week 2 of the NFL season, as the Eagles visit Texas Stadium for a prime-time battle with the Cowboys.

Philadelphia throttled the Rams in its season-opener, rolling 38-3 as a 9½-point home favorite, rolling up 526 total yards (414 passing) and 28 first downs while limiting St. Louis to 218 yards and eight first downs. QB Donovan McNabb looked in midseason form, completing 21 of 33 passes for 361 yards with three TDs and no interceptions as the Eagles won their fourth straight regular-season game (3-1 ATS) dating to last December.

Dallas was just as impressive as Philly in Week 1, hammering the Browns 28-10 and easily cashing as a six-point road favorite to halt an 0-5 ATS slide in regular-season and playoff games. Tony Romo (24-for-32, 320 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was sharp, and the Cowboys amassed 487 total yards while holding the Browns to 205.

Dallas crushed the Eagles 38-17 as a three-point road favorite in last year’s first meeting, but the Philadelphia turned the tables late in the season with a 10-6 upset victory in Dallas as a 10-point underdog. In fact, the Eagles are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four visits to Texas Stadium, including back-to-back outright upsets the last two years. Going back further, Andy Reid’s team has covered the number in nine of its last 12 trips to Dallas.

Also in this rivalry, the underdog is on a 6-1 ATS roll, and the visitor is 4-1 ATS in the last five.

Philadelphia has thrived in the underdog roll going back to 2006, cashing in eight of its last 10 as a pup, including going 4-1 ATS as a ‘dog last season. Also, the Eagles have cashed in six consecutive road games, and they’re 19-8 ATS in their last 27 as a road pup.

Dallas has covered in six consecutive September contests and five of its last six Week 2 affairs. On the flip side, Wade Phillips’ squad is mired in ATS funks of 0-4 against the NFC East, 0-5 versus the NFC and 1-4 on Monday nights. In fact, the Cowboys are only 9-17 ATS (14-12 SU) all-time in Monday night games at Texas Stadium.

The straight-up winner went 12-1-1 ATS in Sunday’s 14 contests and is now 27-2-1 ATS through the first two weeks of the season.

For the Eagles, the under is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 4-1 in September, 6-2 versus the NFC East and 13-5-2 on Monday night. The under is also 5-0 in Dallas’ last five overall, but otherwise the Cowboys are on over streaks of 6-2-1 on Monday nights, 5-2-1 in September and 6-1 following a spread-cover. Finally, the under is 3-0 in the last three series meetings at Texas Stadium.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA




Jimmy Moore

Philadelphia @ Dallas
Pick:Philadelphia +7

I like the Eagles since they are an awesome division road dog and they have covered 3 of the last 4 in Dallas. Take the points in the Monday nighter.



Dunkel Index - NFL

Philadelphia at Dallas
The Cowboys have enjoyed fast starts in recent years and come into this NFC East showdown looking for their seventh straight ATS win in September. Dallas is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Cowboys favored by 10.

Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-7).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST (9/11)

Game 221-222: Philadelphia at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 131.742; Dallas 141.659
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 10; 42
Vegas Line: Dallas by 7; 47
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-7); Under



Heisman Trophy Club

10* Eagles



Al DeMarco

30 Dime - Eagles

I had both the Eagles and Cowboys as free pick winners in Week One. True, it can be said Philadelphia had the much easier time of it, playing at home against an overmatched foe in St. Louis while Dallas visited the Browns, who did win 10 games a year ago. But the thing that struck me the most was how effortlessly the Eagles rolled over the Rams.

This is a different Philadelphia team than we've seen the past couple of years. First, Dononvan McNabb is the healthiest he's been in three seasons. Second, he's finally got a game-breaking receiver with speed - his first since T.O. left town - in rookie DeSean Jackson, who had 6 catches for 106 yards versus St. Louis in addition to a 60-yard punt return. Throw in a healthy Brian Westbrook, who has always been tough on the Cowboys, and you've got an offense that has quick-strike potential, and a unit that amassed 522 yards versus the Rams.

Defensively, the Birds are better as well as they've added depth to their line plus gotten younger and more athletic at linebacker, a position that was a sore spot just two seasons ago. Plus, the signing of free agent Asante Samuel only bolsters one of the league's best secondaries. His arrival means Lito Sheppard, who held T.O. to two catches in Philadelphia's upset win at Dallas last season, is now the team's nickel back and a dangerous cover man off the bench.

Not to discount the Cowboys at all as they're a talented offensive team with Romo (24-for-32, 320 yards) coming off a big game against a pathetic Cleveland secondary, but now he will be facing a stiff challenge with Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's variety of blitz packages from all angles. And Romo has shown that if he's hit, he is turnover prone and his production can be affected.

The Eagles have covered three of the last four in the series overall plus picked up the cash in three of their last four visits to Dallas. The Monday night lights have not bothered them either as they're 11-6 SU and ATS in such prime-time outings under Andy Reid, including 6-2 when getting points. On the other hand, Dallas has covered just once in seven Monday night outings since Wade Phillips took over and the Cowboys are 5-10 ATS as a MNF home chalk since 1980.

From the moment the first line was posted on this game I thought the Cowboys were overpriced; I was stunned to see them laying a touchdown in what I thought was going to be a three-or-four point game. Who wins is inconsequential; this line is too big and I'm grabbing the Eagles with the points. It was my favorite game on the board this week and thus my biggest play in terms of a rating and wager as well.



Steven Budin

50 DIME

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES



WILD BILL

Eagles +7 (5 units)
Eagles-Cowboys Under 47 (5 units)

[TheFade]

INDIAN COWBOY COMP

Cowboys/Eagles Under 47 (1 unit)

Cowboys play their nemesis in the Eagles today. The spread opened up at -7 and has remained relatively steady as it has gone down slightly as the public are favoring the Cowboys to a tune of 55% today. The Cowboys and Eagles split the season series last year at 1:1 but the most recent game featured Dallas getting beat home by the Eagles in what was a defensive 6-10 battle. The Cowboys were dominant easily covering the 6 point road chalk against Cleveland and give Philly some credit for pounding the Rams by 35 points at home easily covering the 9 point chalk. Frankly, this game could go either way, but note I love the Eagles defense this year as I do the Cowboys. However, I think the Eagles are still more physical, but of course, when it comes to offense the Cowboys have given Romo far more weapons and frankly, the Cowboys running game is much better than it was last year and you will see that throughout this game. In essence, you will see a balanced running and passing attack. However, in an NFC East battle such as this 7 points is quite a lot and I know I normally favor the dog and the over here, but not in this game. McNabb has a QB rating of 130+ here and Romo with over a 106 rating. I actually lean on the Eagles and the Under here but do note that I do not have a play on this game, and will have wnba selections, college and nfl to come later this week. However, in such a rivalry, with the total being 46.5 and the public favoring the over by a 2:1 margin, don't be surprised to see an under shape up here. No play for me, but my free play will be on the under here as the under is 12-2 for the Eagles after scoring 30 points in their previous game and the under is 4-0 for the Cowboys when playing the tough defenses that the NFC East features.



Dr. Bob

Philadelphia (+7) 21 DALLAS 23

Philadelphia appears to be an underrated team to start this season. My ratings favored the Eagles by 14 points last week against the Rams (a 38-3 win) and my ratings favor Dallas by only 3 points in this game, as I have these teams rated the same. The Eagles have a great running back in Brian Westbrook and Donavan McNabb looks completely healthy after spending last season recovering from his knee surgery. The addition of rookie DeSean Jackson has been a bigger factor than most anticipated, as Jackson led the Eagles in receiving yards last week (6 catches for 106 yards) while also setting up a touchdown with a 60 yard punt return. Philly's defense was pretty good last season (5.2 yards per play allowed to teams that would average 5.4 yppl against an average team) and they've added top cornerback Asante Samuel to make the pass defense even better. The Rams were limited to 166 total yards at 3.7 yppl last week and the Eagles are capable of slowing down an explosive Dallas attack. I actually rate Dallas as being slightly better than the Eagles offensively and 0.2 yppl better on defense, but McNabb is the current all-time leader in lowest interception percentage (2.1%) while Dallas quarterback Tony Romo is intercepted 3.7% of the time during his career, which is worse than the league average. Aside from the line value, I also like the fact that Eagles? head coach Andy Reid is 41-21-2 ATS in his career as an underdog or pick. I'll consider Philadelphia a Strong Opinion at +7 points or more.



Gamblersworld

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys


MARC LAWRENCE PLAYBOOK

DALLAS over Philadelphia by 7
Impressive outings by both teams puts this game in the national spotlight,under the Monday Night lights to boot. Good numbers abound for both sides, too. The Eagles are 11-6 SU and ATS on Mondays behind Andy Reid,including 7-0 SU and ATS when playing off a win of 7 or more points. They are also 19-12 SU and 21-10 ATS on the division road under Andy. The Cowboys counter at 17-11 ATS in Monday night division duels, including 9-3 in Games 1 thru 3. Wade Phillips chips in at 12-3 SU and ATS at home off a win versus an opponent off a win, including 6-1 in division games. His 1-6 ATS mark in Monday night games is the only negative note.

DALLAS 5-1 Game Two… SEPT: 2-10 favs vs .500 > opp… PHILLIPS: 12-3 H off win vs opp off win


SPORTS REPORTER

*DALLAS over PHILADELPHIA by 4
The early gauntlet was thrown down when Philly won by 35 points, Dallas by 18 on opening day. Tony Romo got banged around by Cleveland?s pass rush, which wasn't very good last year, and Philly will get in his face, too. Important, new speedy offensive playmakers on both teams this season. Felix Jones on Dallas, DeSean Jackson on the Eagles. The Cowboys got a lead and padded it on the ground last week against that statue of a Cleveland quarterback who their new defensive assistant Grantham knew he could rattle, hence the Best Bet winner on the Cowboys. But the Dallas D can't be as confidently prepared vs. McNabb,Westbrook and the rest. Let the shootout start. DALLAS, 30-26.


WINNING POINTS

*Dallas over Philadelphia by 4
Both teams are hurting for depth at wide receiver because of numerous injuries to their wideouts. But Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo still have big-play targets. The Eagles have played the Cowboys tough at Texas Stadium, winning and covering six of their past eight visits. This includes the last two when the Eagles held Dallas to a combined 13 points. The Eagles have no love lost for former teammate Terrell Owens. The Eagles have covered nine of the past 11 times they've been underdogs during the past two plus seasons. DALLAS 24-20.


CKO

Philadelphia...Donovan McNabb is back and so apparently is the deep ball in Philly! All McNabb did was pass for 361 yards in the Birds' 38-3 romp past the Rams on opening day, with three different Philly receivers (Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, and Cal rookie DeSean Jackson) each cracking the 100-yard barrier, the first time that was done by the Eagles since their 1960 championship year when Timmy Brown, Pete Retzlaff, and Tommy McDonald all turned the trick in a 38-28 win over the Redskins on December 18. What's interesting is that the Eagles' top two wideouts, Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, both missed the game due to injury. Pittsburgh...Willie Parker is apparently back from a broken leg, at least based upon his opening-week performance against Houston (138 YR and 3Tds) in the Steelers' 38-17 romp. Illinois rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall, expectred to get the bulk of the short-yardage carries (and cracks at the goal line from close range), indeed carried 10 times, but didn't record a TD against the Texans.

TECH EDGE

PHILADELPHIA at DALLAS (Monday, September 15).Birds have won and covered last 2 (as dog each time) and 3 of last 4 at Dallas. Andy 4-1 as dog LY, 8-2 in role since '06, and 19-8 last 27 as dog away from home. Tech edge-Eagles, based on team and series trends.

[TheFade]

POINTWISE

DALLAS 23 - Philadelphia 20 - What a match this shapes up to be. The Cowboys were methodical in their destruction of the hopeful Browns, with Romo's 24-of-32 for 320 yds the catalyst. A year ago, Dallas scored 45, 37, 34, & 35 pts in its 1st 4 games, so a possible repeat. But Philly's entourage finally includes a healthy McNabb, who opened with a 21-of-33 effort for 361 yds & 3 TDs (no INTs). Three Eagle receivers reached 100 yds in catches in that one for the first time since 1960. Philly 20-10 ATS on division road, & the visitor is on a 10-2 ATS run in Eagle games. This could go into OT, so we'll grab the TD spot.


THE GOLD SHEET

*DALLAS 27 - Philadelphia 23—Both impressive in opener, but pointspread roomy enough to consider Philly, especially with McNabb & Westbrook healthy, the attack invigorated by WR DeSean Jackson (6 for 106 receiving in opener), and the defense reinforced by former N.E. CB Asante Samuel. Eagles play with confidence in Dallas, winning and covering 3 of last 4 meetings. Philly also has the pass rushers in quantity that Browns did not when Tony Romo had plenty of time to spot his targets last week.

(07-Dal. 38-PHIL. 17...D.24-21 D.32/110 P.19/66 D.20/25/1/324 P.27/46/2/250 D.0 P.1)
(07-Phil. 10-DAL. 6...P.20-11 P.27/134 D.15/53 D.13/36/3/187 P.23/41/0/181 P.1 D.0)
(07-Dallas -3 38-17, Philadelphia +10 10-6...SR: Dallas 54-43)



YourWinningPicks

****BEST BET****

DALLAS COWBOYS (-7) VS. Philadelphia Eagles: This is an early battle for supremacy in the ultra-competitive NFC East as the Cowboys and Eagles both come off demolitions in Week 1. Dallas QB Tony Romo doesn't have good history against the Eagles at home as he has thrown only 1 TD and 5 INT's in his last two such outings against the Birds. The Eagles are also a great bet as an underdog under Andy Reid as they are 41-21-2 ATS in that role. This will be a close game and should go right down to the wire. THE PICK: Philadelphia Eagles +7



Frank Jordan

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
Play: Over

Each team put up at least 28 points last week expect more of the same as they shall find themselves in a shoot out. Play the over




Sportsbettingstats

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys -3

The Cowboys come into this early season NFC East match up after beating up on the Cleveland Browns 28-10, while the Eagles crushed the Rams in their opening game 38-3. Even though it is only the 2nd game of the season it is an important one, especially for the Eagles who want to show the league they are still one of the premier teams in the NFL. The Eagles are led by QB Donovan McNabb (361 yds 3 TD) and his main targets are WR's Greg Lewis (5 rec 104 yds) and rookie DeSean Jackson (6 rec 106 yds). The Eagles rushing attack is led by RB Michael Westbrook (91 yds 1 TD). The Cowboys are led by QB Tony Romo (320 yds 1 TD 1 INT) and his main targets are TE Jason Witten (6 rec 96 yds) and WR Terrell Owens (5 rec 87 yds). The Cowboys rushing attack is no longer a 2 man backfield, as Marion Barber III (80 yds 2 TD) is the main man.

Staff Pick: Both teams looked impressive in their opening wins and both QB's looked good getting great pass protection. The key to this game may be which team's D can get to other team's QB. The Cowboys have to find a way to contain Westbrook, as their defense has to balanced because if they focus too much on stopping the run the rejuvenated McNabb will hurt you, but if they only focus on McNabb, Westbrook will put up big numbers. The Eagles secondary is much improved with CB Assante Samuel, as he may match up with Owens, which will be a battle. Eagles rookie WR DeSean Jackson looked stellar in the win over the Rams, with over 100 receiving yards, and if he develops into a legit weapon for McNabb the Eagles may soar into the playoffs. The Eagles are filled with confidence, but playing Dallas, which is the premier team in the NFC, in the Big D will be a test to see how good the Eagles are, as smoking the lowly Rams was not really a test, but merely a tune-up for this big game. The Cowboys own the regular season and this game will be no different, as even though the game will be close Romo and company will beat the Eagles and cover the spread.

Dallas 23 Eagles 18




Sixth Sense Sports

DALLAS –6.5 Philadelphia 46.5

Both teams looked great last week. Dallas averaged 7.7yppl, including 5.4ypr and 10.0yps. They allowed Cleveland just 4.8yppl, including just 4.6yps. Philly racked up 7.4yppl, including 10.6yps and allowed the Rams just 3.7yppl, 2.4ypr and 4.3yps. Philly has dominated Dallas in Dallas winning the last two years here and six of the past eight years. One of those two losses was by just two points so getting 6.5 points in this game looks like a lot with a good Philly defense. I don’t have any situations on this game and my numbers favor Dallas by about six points and predict about 45 points.

DALLAS 26 PHILADELPHIA 20




Karl Garrett

Philadelphia at DALLAS

Tonight a total play, as I see Philly and Dallas strapping it on for a tight one in Big "D".

I know both teams generated some offense last week, but upon closer look, it ain't too hard to get the points on the board against Cleveland, and St. Louis.

The G-Man expects the yards, and the points to be harder to come by in this division rivalry contest.

Remember, the Cowboys defense yielded just 6 points in their win at Cleveland, while the Eagles held St. Louis to only a field goal in their blowout win.

Last year the series meeting in Dallas produced a 10-6 final, making it 3 straight games played at Dallas between the teams that have stayed LOW.

Included last week's results, the Cowboys have stayed UNDER the total in 5 in a row dating back to last season (playoffs included), while the Eagles have stayed UNDER in 4 of their last 5 dating back to a season ago.

Stick with the defense here, and play the LOW.

1♦ UNDER