It’s going to be a long afternoon and evening for whoever gets the win in the week 17 Cowboys at Giants pick. Both Dallas and New York could miraculously still win the NFC East, but it all comes down to Philadelphia beating Washington in the Sunday night game. If WFT wins, they get the division and the trip to the playoffs.
Since that Eagles / Washington game is later tonight, both Dallas and New York will be playing as if their playoff lives are on the line – which they are. The line has shifted from the Giants -3 to Dallas -1.5, as the Cowboys have gotten hot lately in a three game win streak in which they’ve scored 30+ each week. NYG has coincidentally dropped three straight, and their offense is nowhere to be found.
Cowboys Making Big Plays
Dallas has averaged 36 ppg the last three weeks, which would point to their offense finding some rhythm. The Cowboys had just 272 yards in a 30-7 win over the Bengals and posted 291 total yards despite beating San Francisco 41-33 in week 15. Last week Dallas did look complete in a 37-17 win over the Eagles though, throwing for 362 yards and rushing for another 151.
Instead of offensive consistency, it’s been big plays leading to Dallas’ recent scoring rush. Aldon Smith had a 78-yard fumble recovery vs. the Bengals and Cee Dee Lamb had a kick return score vs. the 49ers to help pad those wins. It’s last week’s production that has Mike McCarthy optimistic heading into the week 17 Cowboys at Giants pick.
Andy Dalton was 22/30 vs. Philadelphia with 377 yards and 3 TD, easily his best game as a member of the Cowboys. Dalton has 7 TD to 1 INT the last three weeks, and gets a $1 million bonus if the team makes the playoffs. Zeke Elliott posted his second 100+ yard rushing game of the season last week, Michael Gallup and Lamb both have 3 TDs the last two games and Amari Cooper had 121 rec. yards vs. the Eagles. Dallas seems to be clicking.
Giants Offense in Shambles
The last thing New York wants to see is the Dallas offense getting hot, because there’s no way they can keep up with them in a shootout. During the current 3-game losing streak for the Giants, they’ve scored a whopping 26 total points. New York hasn’t broken the 20+ point barrier since a 27-17 win over the Eagles in week 10.
One major problem for the Giants is they cannot run the ball, posting 78, 74, and 54 yards on the ground the last three games. Will that change against the Cowboys’ worst run defense in the NFL? Dallas has allowed back-to-back 150+ rushing games, but both the Eagles and 49ers also had 300+ yard passing games – or balanced attacks. New York has the 3rd worst passing game in the league.
Free Week 17 Cowboys at Giants Pick
The line has shifted big time towards Dallas, and sportsbooks need the Giants on Sunday. It’s just so hard to trust that NYG offense, especially with temps in the 30s and some light drizzle expected. The Cowboys have won 7 straight in this series, and although Dallas fans are used to heartbreak – that won’t come until later Sunday night when Washington beats Philadelphia.
Cowboys 28 – Giants 24
Free Pick: Dallas -1.5
