Thanksgiving 2017 Game Two Offers Two Teams Needing a Win
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The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6 Overall, 2-3 Away) are at the Dallas Cowboys (5-5 Overall, 2-3 Home) for the second of three NFL games being played on Thanksgiving. Both teams are dealing with numerous injuries, plus the Cowboys are once again without star running back Ezekiel Elliot. The Chargers are two games behind the AFC West division-leading Kansas City Chiefs. They are a game away from a wild card bid. The Cowboys sit in second place in the NFC West. However, they are four games behind the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles and at least a game out of the wild card. Our Chargers play Cowboys 2017 Thanksgiving free NFL pick has the game even and the over/under at 47.5.
Chargers at Cowboys- Matchup
The Chargers are scoring 22 PPG. Their defense is holding teams to 19.6. They are going up against a team that’s allowing 24 PPG. The Cowboy offense is scoring 24 PPG, which matches their defensive stat of points allowed.
Los Angeles Offense vs. Cowboys D
The Charger running game, which is strong, could do well against a Dallas club that allowing an average of 188 YPG on the ground. RB Melvin Gordon has five rushing TDs and is averaging 3.8 YPA while gaining a total of 633 yards. Gordon also has 35 receptions and four touch down catches. Although QB Phillip Rivers could do better than his 60% completion rate, he’s tossed 17 TD passes and seven pick while being sacked 12 times. He’s got a good selection of receivers to throw to with WR Keenan Allen (65 REC, 13.5 YPC, 3 TDs) being his top-man.
The Cowboy D has forced 15 fumbles and made 28 sacks. They also have 43 TFL, five picks, and 33 PD. DE DeMarcus Lawrence, who tops the team in sacks with 10.5, is questionable for today. The Cowboys will definitely be without LB Sean Lee, who tops the team with seven TFL and is third in overall tackles with 52. The Dallas defense is hurting.
Dallas Offense vs. Chargers Defense
In the two games that Elliot has been forced to miss due to his suspension, the Cowboys have scored a total of 16 points. RB Alfred Morris, who’s replaced him, is averaging 6.2 YPA, but he has not scored a TD. Prior to his suspension, Elliot had seven TDs runs plus two scoring catches. QB Dak Prescott, who has 16 TD passes and seven picks while being sacked 22 times, has to find a way to make up for the temporary loss of the team’s star running back. Star WR Dez Bryant, with 50 catches and four going for TDs, is dealing with an injury. Wideouts Terrance Williams and Brice Butler are also important targets.
The Charger defense comes to this game with 30 sacks, 12 INTs, and nine FF. Plus, they have 52 PD and 4o TFL. All of these are impressive stats. DE Joey Bosa has 10.5 sacks and three FF, while safety Tre Boston has four picks and seven PD. LB Melvin Ingram is also a major force with 8.5 sacks and four TFL.
Three Major Takeaways
Our Chargers play Cowboys 2017 Thanksgiving free NFL pick three primary takeaways offer-
Chargers D has edge over Dallas D
Elliot being out is a major problem
Dallas has some key players who are hurting
LA at Dallas NFL Free Pick
In creating our Chargers play Cowboys 2017 Thanksgiving free NFL pick, we like Los Angeles at even money. We think that LA will outplay Dallas is what is a must-win game for both teams.
Los Angeles Plays Dallas Thanksgiving Day Pick: Chargers even
