The Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders enter their Monday night time conflict separated by lower than two video games within the over NFL standings however in vastly totally different positions by way of real looking expectations for the remainder of the season.
The Raiders are 2-7, final place within the AFC West and nearer to a battle for the No. 1 total draft choose subsequent spring than for a playoff spot this season. The Cowboys are a meager 3-5-1, however are clinging to playoff aspirations as they welcome in important reinforcements for the league’s Thirty first-ranked protection.
ODDS & TRENDS
Dallas has dropped consecutive video games because it travels for Week 11, however the Cowboys are nonetheless consensus 3.5-point favorites. They’ve been backed by 71% of the spread-line cash at BetRivers, the place their -190 moneyline has drawn one-sided motion with 95% of the cash and 90% of the full bets.
Las Vegas has didn’t cowl the unfold in 4 consecutive video games towards NFC opponents and has misplaced 17 of its previous 18 video games as underdogs.
In the meantime, 5 of Dallas’ previous six video games have gone Over the full factors line, which had shifted from 50 to 49 at BetRivers by Monday afternoon. That is regardless of the general public backing the Over with 68% of the cash.
PROP PICKS
–Cowboys QB Dak Prescott 2+ TD Passes (-189 at DraftKings): The Raiders have surrendered 12 passing touchdowns by means of 9 video games, regardless of typically falling behind and dealing with run-heavy assaults from their opponents. Prescott has thrown 17 touchdowns, together with two or extra in 5 video games up to now, resulting in this being the most well-liked participant prop on the ebook.
–Raiders QB Geno Smith Anytime INT (-155 at BetRivers): Smith has thrown 12 picks already, together with eight by means of 4 dwelling video games. General, Smith has thrown a minimum of one interception in 10 consecutive dwelling video games relationship again to final season with Seattle.
INSIDE EDGE
Cowboys extensive receiver George Pickens is third amongst all NFL extensive receivers with 12 receptions of 20+ yards this season. In the meantime, teammate Jake Ferguson is second amongst all tight ends with 10 receptions within the pink zone, in response to Inside Edge’s Exceptional engine.
KEY STAT
Dallas’ offense is averaging 40.3 factors per recreation in its three wins up to now, along with battling to a 40-40 tie in a Week 4 duel towards Inexperienced Bay. Within the Cowboys’ 5 losses, the offense has crossed the 24-point plateau solely as soon as.
TRAGEDY AND REINFORCEMENTS
Monday will mark the Cowboys’ first recreation since tragedy struck the group through the group’s bye week.
Defensive finish Marshawn Kneeland died by way of a self-inflicted gunshot wound per authorities after a police chase close to the group’s facility in Frisco, Texas. Kneeland’s demise got here simply days after he recovered a fumble for a landing in Dallas’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3.
Whereas members of the Cowboys’ group undoubtedly had their lives modified by the sudden lack of their teammate final week, coach Brian Schottenheimer believes Monday night time will carry a welcome sense of normalcy.
“I do not suppose there will be a lot that is totally different,” Schottenheimer stated. “I feel these guys are going to be excited to be on the market with their brothers and doing what they like to do.”
Simply days earlier than Kneeland’s demise, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson (Bengals) and Professional Bowl defensive deal with Quinnen Williams (Jets) earlier than the commerce deadline. They’ll be a part of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who is anticipated to make his season debut after recovering from final yr’s devastating knee damage.
INJURY REPORT
Cowboys defensive deal with Solomon Thomas (calf) was dominated out Saturday after lacking observe all week. Beginning safeties Donovan Wilson (elbow, shoulder) and Malik Hooker (toe) had been restricted, together with 4 others, on Thursday and Friday, however the pair had been full individuals on Saturday.
For the Raiders, extensive receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) was restricted and linebacker Cody Lindenberg (Achilles) did not observe on Thursday however each had been full individuals on Saturday. Quarterback Aiden O’Connell (proper wrist) has been dominated out regardless of being a full participant at observe all week. O’Connell is on injured reserve together with his 21-day window to return opened on Oct. 29. Smith can be backed up by veteran Kenny Pickett.
THEY SAID IT
–“It isn’t only a distraction for me, it is a distraction for them. Plenty of them have lived by means of numerous tragedy of their life. Their escape is to return and be within the locker room with their brothers, put their helmets on, exit to the observe subject. We is likely to be feeling numerous feelings, I am certain we’ll. My hope and what I imagine is that it will not really feel that totally different.” –Schottenheimer on the affect of Kneeland’s demise on the Cowboys.
–“It has been crappy, and this isn’t what I anticipated to occur. I did not really feel like we’d be this far behind at the beginning of the season … It is a kick, it is a blocked kick, it is an OT catch. There are 4 to 5 video games right here that might have flipped identical to that, simply with small margins of higher play, higher execution, higher calls, and all of that.” –Raiders coach Pete Carroll
PREDICTION
The Raiders ought to show a perfect opponent for a Cowboys group coming off its bye and enjoying with heavy hearts. Dallas’ passing recreation has been buzzing many of the season and Las Vegas’ error-prone offense is the proper tonic for the Cowboys’ porous protection as they work Wilson, Williams and Overshown into the fold. –Cowboys 31, Raiders 23
–Subject Degree Media
