Dallas Cowboys Vs Washington Redskins: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against the Spread

A bitter NFL rivalry caps off the first Sunday of NFL action on September 12th. The Dallas Cowboys take on the Washington Redskins in Washington and a familiar division foe, Donovan McNabb should be under center. The Dallas Cowboys have been dubbed the next Super Bowl champions before the seasons first kickoff and the pressure has been mounting early on Tony Romo and his team.

Passing Games of Both Washington Redskins & Dallas Cowboys Have New Wrinkles

The Dallas Cowboys passing offense led by Tony Romo, has some welcomed additions and some steady veterans to create a good mix in the offense. Romo's newest target will be Dez Bryant, the first round draft pick from Oklahoma State. Bryant has good length and is the picture of what a perfect NFL receiver should look like. Aside from Bryant, Romo has Miles Austin and Jason Witten to create space and keep the offense vertical.

Donovan McNabb will be under center for his first game as a Redskin against the team that ended his career as a Philadelphia Eagle. McNabb does not have as many weapons as Romo but he can utilize Chris Cooley and Santana Moss as reliable targets. Look for McNabb to use Clinton Portis also as receiving back out of the back field. Passing attack edge goes to the Dallas Cowboys.

Running Games Can Both be Spotty at Best for Washington & Dallas

Washington has plenty of running backs in the back field but Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis should see a majority of the snaps. Neither one of the backs is immune to injury but they are both solid backs. Head coach Mike Shanahan will be looking to grind this game out on the ground and keep the ball in Washington's hands as much as possible.

The Dallas Cowboys running game was Marion Barber over the years. With Barber showing the wear and tear of several years of punishing running, Felix Jones will have to step up. Jones is an exciting back that can break off 10-20 yard runs at the perfect time. The running edge still goes to the Washington Redskins in this game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Defensive Scheme for Washington Redskins Could Hurt them Against Dallas Cowboys

The Washington Redskins have gone to a 3-4 defense and this may not work so well against a Dallas Cowboys offense that has many options. Throw into the mix that new nose tackle, Albert Haynesworth is not a happy camper and the Redskins defense could be the reason they falter in this game.

On the other sideline, the Dallas Cowboys are a menacing, hard hitting defense that produces bone rattling hits. DeMarcus Ware is a huge asset for the Dallas defense as well as Keith Brooking for leadership and emotional support. Wade Phillips may not be a great head coach but he is an awesome defensive coach. Phillips calls the plays on defense now and since he has taken over they have dominated. Dallas Cowboys hold the edge on defense over the Washington Redskins.

Dallas Cowboys -3.5 Vs Washington Redskins: Pick and Breakdown

As a 3.5 point underdog the Washington Redskins would not be a bad pick in this game. This is an NFC Est Division game to start the season and the Dallas Cowboys will have the bit between their teeth. The Dallas Cowboys offense should tear up an average Washington defense and the Dallas Cowboys defense should keep Washington's offense under wraps. Take the Dallas Cowboys -3.5 points to win against the spread and beat the Washington redskins on their home field.

sources:

Las Vegas Hilton Superbook Week One NFL Lines
www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com
www.profootballtalk.com
www.nfl.com