Some online betting players may have predicted Dallas’ fourth-quarter meltdown in their season opener, but to actually watch it happen was still jaw-dropping. The Cowboys look to get back on track this week in San Francisco, and the 49ers are going to run into an angry Dallas team ready to make a statement.
What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, September 18th, 4:05 PM ET
Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
Pick: Dallas Cowboys -3
Why Bet On Dallas Cowboys
Everything looked to be going swimmingly for the Cowboys, as they were up 24-10 with virtually the entire fourth quarter to go. Then, disaster struck as Tony Romo had a pair of turnovers, the Cowboys had a punt blocked, and their defense gave up some big plays, which resulted in a 27-24 loss to the New York Jets. It was the first time in their franchise that they had lost a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, but at least they can say for three quarters that they were dominant against a Super Bowl favorite on the road, and Romo’s numbers were solid: 23-of-36 for 342 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. The defense was solid, forcing a pair of turnovers, and they were put in tough positions by the offense. In particular, second-year linebacker Sean Lee had 12 tackles, a pick and a fumble recovery and he could have a monster year.
However, football games aren’t won in three quarters and the Cowboys have to improve their fourth-quarter execution to boost their NFL betting odds. Romo has a history of folding in the final 15 minutes, and a fumble and a pick against the Jets doesn’t help matters. They couldn’t run the ball, averaging 2.5 yards per carry, and head coach Jason Garrett would like more balance in the offense. Receiver Dez Bryant has a quadriceps injury that may limit him in practice, so confirm his availability before making your picks.
Why Bet On San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have Ted Ginn to thank for their 33-17 win over Seattle at home, as the receiver returned a kickoff and a punt in the last 3:45, blowing a close game wide open. Alex Smith was average, going 15-of-20 for 124 yards, and while those aren’t huge numbers, he didn’t do anything to hurt the team and that’s all that San Francisco fans ask of their much-maligned quarterback. The defense held their own against the Seahawks, forcing three turnovers, and they held Seattle to an average of 2.9 yards on the ground.
But San Francisco couldn’t run the ball either, averaging 2.7 yards, and they’ll need more out of Frank Gore, who had 59 yards on 22 carries. The 49ers committed nine penalties and gave the Seahawks four first downs due to flags, and they’re not good enough to do that. San Francisco was an ungodly 1-of-12 on third down, but they’re fortunate that the Seahawks were also undisciplined as they moved the chains four times because of penalties. The 49ers were 1-of-5 in the red zone and looking at the numbers, it’s a wonder that San Francisco emerged with the win. That says more about how poor Seattle is, and everyone in the locker room should give Ginn a hearty slap on the back. Ginn may get more reps at receiver this week as Michael Crabtree is struggling with an ailing foot, something he expects to deal with all season.
How It Will Play Out
NFL betting odds have the Cowboys as a 3-point favorite in San Francisco, where they are 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings with the 49ers, with three games going under the posted total. Four of the last five times that these two have played overall has been in Dallas, and in those five games, the Cowboys are 3-2 SU and 2-2-1 ATS with all five going over the total. These old rivals usually put up a lot of points, but that will be on San Francisco.
Unless the 49ers can get Gore going, the offense is going to struggle, even against a Dallas secondary that isn’t very good and suffering from some important injuries. The Cowboys have a pass rush that is good enough to pressure Smith into making mistakes, while Romo will be out to put last week’s disappointment behind him. Go with the road team in your sports betting book.
Cowboys 49ers Betting Pick: Dallas Cowboys -3
