Dallas had just enough to get past the Bucs at home last Sunday; they won't be as lucky on the road in New York in this one. The Giants are too much for the Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys eked out a big home win without Tony Romo against a solid Tampa Bay squad last week despite scoring only 13 points. The Cowboys are limping into their bye next week trying to get by starting a washed-up human statue at quarterback, Brad Johnson. They're not going to get away with another close decision here. The Giants are too good, arguably the best team in football, have home field and the necessary power in the trenches to keep Dallas from playing smashmouth.
The Cowboys want to ride Marion Barber and have Johnson just do his dink-and-dunk routine. Johnson has lived down to his derisive nickname of "Checkdown" because he rarely even looks downfield. Just ask Terrell Owens how frustrating that is. Owens is reduced to cipher status with just seven receptions for 64 yards during the past two weeks while Johnson fills in for Romo.
That's not going to get it done against the Giants. The defending Super Bowl champions aren't stupid. Barber is going to see eight-man fronts and Owens is going to face press coverage and double-teams.
There is a sentiment that you can't lay this many points with the Giants against such a strong division foe. I ask why not? Right now the Cowboys are just the Cowboys in name only. They are full of holes and injuries. Johnson should have retired after he helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl. He's embarrassing to watch now. He's so bad that career journeyman Brooks Bollinger may see action. Anytime you see a quarterback from Wisconsin on the field the white flag has been raised.
The Cowboys have injuries in their secondary and Johnson probably won't have his main checkdown target, tight end Jason Witten. He has a broken rib and has been unable to practice. I seriously doubt he plays.
The Giants have a power, balanced attack and a swarming, well-coached defense. Even though they are off a tough game, too, beating Pittsburgh, they certainly won't lack for incentive to bury their hated division foe. Once the inevitable starts to happen - the Cowboys falling behind - then things are going to detoriate real fast for Dallas. You will be sorry then that you didn't lay the points here.
Free Pick: Giants -8½ (-110)