NFL Week 17 Picks: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Sunday, 12/30/12, 8:20 PM EST, TV: NBC
Opening Point Spread: Washington -3.5
Current Betting Line: Washington -3
Opening Total: 50
Current Total: 49.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Titans Vs Cowboys Betting Preview — The Dallas Cowboys are 4-13 ATS versus NFC East rivals

Dallas had its three-game win streak snapped in a 34-31 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints as one-point home favorites last week, while going OVER the total for the fourth time in five contests. The Cowboys will now need to win at FedExField in Week 17 to win the NFC East division title and participate in the playoffs. “When you get in, anything can happen,” commented Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. He has compiled a 104.4 passer rating since the start of November. Dallas is 4-13 ATS against division foes over the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 10-7 in that situation.

The Cowboys have a laundry list of injuries, but linebacker DeMarcus Ware plans to play despite a sprained shoulder and hyperextended elbow. One player that has come alive with a broken finger is wide receiver Dez Bryant, who ranks third in the NFC with 88 receptions and second in touchdowns with 12. Running back DeMarco Murray didn’t play in the first meeting on Thanksgiving, but the offense has gained 400 or more yards in three of four games since his return to the field.

Washington has rattled off six victories in a row to place itself in this position, which includes a 27-20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles as 4.5-point road favorites last week, while going OVER the total for a third straight time. “Everything we’ve been working for comes back to this weekend,” stated Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan. The Redskins have been tremendous offensively, with rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III throwing for 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions, while also scoring six times on the ground. Washington is 5-0 ATS versus its division this year, which can’t be ignored when making your NFL picks against the spread Sunday.

The Redskins have the best rushing attack in football, which has been helped along by first-year back Alfred Morris, who needs just 104 yards to break the team’s single-season rushing record. Washington has split 14 games in this series when facing Romo, as he’s thrown for 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in those appearances.