January 08, 2012

Week 10: Buffalo Bills at Dallas Cowboys

BUFFALO BILLS @ DALLAS COWBOYS

Vegas Line: Bills + 5.5

Rob’s Line: Bills + 3.5

What a great matchup this is. Dallas will again be without running back Felix Jones, but do you think that will spread any fear around Cowboys Stadium? Yes, of course that was my cue to mention DeMarco Murray. The rookie third round draft pick has been a sensation since stepping into the starting role and in his last three games against the Rams, Eagles and Seahawks, he’s rushed for 466 yards at an average of 8.6 yards per carry. It’s surely form that can only continue for a certain amount of time, but the Seahawks are considered good against the run and he racked up 139 yards last Sunday.

Quarterback Tony Romo says his injured ribs are healing nicely, but he’ll be deprived of one of his biggest weapons this week as a hamstring injury picked up last week will keep receiver Miles Austin from playing and with Buffalo’s pass defense ranked just 25th in the league, there was the opportunity of some real fun and games there. However, Romo’s still able to call upon Jason Witten, Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson and with Murray in the backfield, the Bills’ defense will be kept honest so Dallas could have a lot of success through the air.
The Bills were a huge disappointment last week at home to the Jets. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick strugggled pretty much all day with the defensive schemes thrown his way and Fred Jackson had his worst game in four weeks. With the NFL being a copycat league, I wonder how much notice Dallas’s coaching staff would’ve taken of the Jets’ defense last Sunday. Much may be revealed.
The Cowboys will have to be on their toes nonetheless, as Jackson ranks second in the league in total yards from scrimmage and this is still a very strong Buffalo team. As the season wears on they will miss the influence of nose tackle Kyle Williams, but rookie Marcell Dareus has stepped in and is doing all he can holding the defensive line together.
Both of these teams are in the middle of a fight for their respective divisions, although the Cowboys are two games behind the Giants…but they do have to play them twice yet so their fate lies in their own hands. Buffalo can say much the same, having four division games still to play and they’re currently in a three-way 5-3 tie with the Patriots and Jets atop the AFC East so this is a huge game for both teams.
As frightening a back as Murray currently is for opposing defenses, I really think that Vegas are underestimating Buffalo’s chances and I love the Bills with those juicy 5.5 points on offer.

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