NFL Free Pick: Cowboys vs Texans
Scott Morris | October 7, 2018
Sunday Night Football features the Battle of Texas when the Dallas Cowboys hit the road to play the Houston Texans for just the fifth time since the Texans joined the NFL. Both teams won last week as the Cowboys defeated Detroit thanks to a field in the final seconds and the Texans needed overtime to down Indianapolis for its first win of the season.
The current line on top sportsbooks has Houston favored by 3.5 points with the over/under total at 45.5.
Dallas is 3-0 in the last three against Houston, although the last game between the two was four years ago. However, this season the Cowboys are 0-2 on the road.
Dallas has gone back to the game plan of 2016 when the Cowboys finished 13-3 by handing the ball to Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys running back had 240 yards from scrimmage in the win over Detroit to set a new career high. Elliott rushed for 152 yards while catching four passes for 88 yards and one touchdown.
Dak Prescott passed for 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns, with four completions going to wide out Cole Beasley who leads the Cowboys in receptions.
Defensively, Cowboys top pass rusher Demarcus Lawrence posted 3.0 sacks against the Lions setting a career high and giving the defensive end 5.5 on the season, which leads the NFL.
The Texans ended a nine-game losing streak by beating the Colts last week 37-34. Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson has thrown for 300 or more yards in three straight games amassing 375 yards last week against the Colts and a pair of touchdown passes, while rushing for another 41 yards and one touchdown.
However, the Texans offensive line allowed Watson to be sacked seven times and through four games the Houston signal caller has suffered 17 sacks.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught 10 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown and Keke Coutee had 11 receptions for 110 yards in his debut in the NFL. Hopkins has caught 11 touchdowns passes in his last nine games at home.
Texans Running back Lamar Miller practiced very little both Wednesday and Thursday due to a chest injury.
Houston’s pass rush came to life with two sacks each from Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt. Clowney was named the Defensive Player of the Week in the NFL after his strong performance against the Colts.
Prediction: Dallas is back to using Ezekiel Elliott more often and that will help keep pressure off Dak Prescott when he drops back to pass. The Dallas defense will have its hand full containing Deshaun Watson. Look for fireworks early and often. Dallas wins 28-27. Bet this pick now at a premium online sportsbook
