Oddsmakers have set Dallas as -4.5 favorites when they host the Titans in the NFL week 9 Monday night football free pick. The Cowboys have a strong running game but also debut what is hopefully an improved passing game as Amari Cooper makes his debut in Big D. Both teams feature a strong defense, but Tennessee also has one of the worst offenses in the league. We know Dallas loves the spotlight so do they dominate in tonight’s game?
Don’t Expect Much From the Tennessee Offense Tonight
Tennessee comes into the NFL week 9 Monday night football free pick on a three game losing streak after starting the season 3-1. It’s not hard to pinpoint the reason for the Titans skid as their offense has produced a grand total of 31 points in the last three contests. Overall Tennessee ranks 30th in the NFL in total yards, points scored, and passing yards. Marcus Mariota did throw for 237 yards last game and the Titans are coming off a bye. Even so, Dallas’ defense is the #1 unit in the NFL in points allowed. Nobody on Tennessee has scored more than 1 TD on the season.
One of the reasons tonight’s contest has a good chance of going under the total of 40 is because the Titans offense is putrid – but their defense also isn’t half bad. Tennessee is #3 in the NFL in points allowed at 18.1 and ranks top 9 or better in both total yards allowed and pass yards surrendered. The Cowboys have seen their struggles on offense in the passing game (not so much the running game) so perhaps the rested Titans defense can keep tonight’s contest close?
What Can the Dallas Offense Muster?
Hopes are high for the debut of Amari Cooper tonight but honestly how much has he grasped the Dallas playbook in just 2 weeks? Plus, does the addition of Cooper put even more pressure on Dak Prescott and the passing game in tonight’s game? The QB is coming off a couple solid performances, throwing for 273 yards and a TD two weeks ago against Washington and leading an upset over the Jaguars in week 6. The Cowboys are also coming off a bye ahead of the NFL week 9 Monday night free pick. That means a rested Ezekiel Elliott up against the Titans 19th ranked rush defense. Elliott has averaged 129 yards on the ground his last two home games which gives Dallas a positive edge tonight.
Another edge the Cowboys pose tonight is the fact that their defense is playing great lately, holding three straight opponents to 20 points or less. Granted Dallas has lost 2 of those 3 contests but that onus lies a lot on the Cowboys offense. Dallas is a top 5 team in points allowed (1st), total yards given up (4th) and passing yards against (5th) while also ranking 9th in rushing yards surrendered. How does Tennessee get anything going tonight?
NFL Week 9 Monday Night Football Free Pick Betting
Both teams coming off a bye week can be a bit scary for bettors but the Cowboys clearly have an edge in tonight’s contest. The Dallas passing game struggles, but could be better with the addition of a legit number one receiver in Cooper. Plus the Cowboys also have Elliott and the running game to fall back on. The Titans cannot say the same thing – and are up against a pretty solid defense – on the road – in primetime – tonight.
Free Pick: Dallas Cowboys -4.5
