NFL Football Preview - Colts at Cowboys Video and Pick



The Dallas Cowboys hope to corral the Indianapolis Colts with playoffs in hand.

In what surely will be the days most watched NFL contest, the key word to keep in mind is "incentive". The Dallas Cowboys have a ranch full of it while the Indianapolis Colts have a less stable of reason to play for. The best bet is the NFL betting line remains as it is, currently at -3 at Diamond Sports and most other major online sportsbooks while the huge Over/Under Total at 56 may grow even larger by kickoff time.

Indianspolis Colts oddsComing off their impressive 38-27 win last week in Philadelphia, the Cowboys can stay in the driver's seat to capture the NFC East division with a victory. But lookout, should they lose they may not even make the playoffs if the Eagles win-out their last two games. Conversely, the Colts already have the AFC South locked-up and have their sights set up toward better seeding position and a longshot potential bye in the upcoming playoffs.

Comparitively, both teams are about even strength, with the Colts edge in QB star Andrew Luck, who leads the NFL in TD passes and yards. Dallas will keep the faith as usual with Tony Romo, but the big cloud is and will always be his reputation for December failures and big turnovers in key situations. I'm sure ultra talented but manic WR Dez Bryant will be on the sidelines all game to keep him focused.

A bigger problem Dallas may be the effectiveness of All-Pro RB DeMarco Murray. Although he underwent surgery for a broken left hand earlier this week, he is expected to play. Other than him, it's all system go defensively and offensively for the Boys.

Back to that word "incentive", it's tough to assess the Colts position. Don't expect them to lay down whatsover but they may take a cautious approach. As example, there is talk of them resting veteran WR Reggie Wayne, a key ingredient in their offense attack. But overall, the best way to get hurt, is not giving it your best when you're on the field and letting your guard down. So look for the Colts to play well and want to win this game to enhance their playoff and Super Bowl goals. Their defense is more the question in competing with top AFC teams like New England and Denver.

NFL Betting Suggestions

CombiningDallas Cowboys odds the timing of this game late in the afternoon, the Cowboys national popularity, the widespread television audience plus the playoff implications will make this by far the NFL's most heavily wagered game at Diamond Sports and other key online sportsbooks I've been monitoring.

Looking at the historical numbers and the ATS (against the spread) implications for both this season and play between both teams indicate a virtual draw. There are positive reasons to make a case and favor either the Cowboys or the Colts with the points. Again, the other red flag might be Romo's reputation for poor play in December and pressure games. Perhaps that might have eroded a bit last week against the Eagles. We'll certainly find out on Sunday afternoon.

I like the better option in looking at the Over/Under Total. Don't be intimidated by the current betting odds of 56 and expect the very high scoring game in front of a national televsion audience. If you need some reassurance, the Colts have gone over the total in six of their last seven road games.

A strong suggestion to wager early before the number is inflated even higher and bet OVER the Total.

For a complete preview of the Colts-Cowboys game, including predictions and NFL betting odds, check out the video below.


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