The NFL week 3 matchups culminate at state-of-the-art Cowboys Stadium as the Dallas Cowboys host the Carolina Panthers this Monday night. Can America’s team get its first win in its new home after last week’s heartbreak against the Giants? Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Cowboys
Monday, September 28, 8:35 p.m. ET
NFL odds favorite: Cowboys -8.5
After Dallas crumbled late versus the Giants last week, it wants to take out its frustration. The Carolina Panthers may be just the team to play punching bag for the Cowboys.
Tony Romo was horrible for the Cowboys last week, throwing three picks and struggling with his accuracy all night. The Panthers have been quite beatable so far, however. Matt Ryan lit them up last week and Donovan McNabb found the end zone with several passes the week before. Perhaps the problem is Carolina’s inability to rush the passer. The Panthers have just two sacks in two games and Julius Peppers is under the gun after struggling mightily to start the year. Tony Romo should have way more time to throw the ball this week.
The Cowboys should also run wild on Carolina. Even if Marion Barber sits the game out, explosive Felix Jones can handle starting duties. Workhorse Tashard Choice, who excelled down the stretch filing in for Barber and Jones last season, is also up to the task. The Panthers are allowing 168 yards rushing so far this season, so the Dallas runners are licking their chops.
Though the Cowboys are a pretty safe betting management pick to cover, you should bet over the total of 47, as the Panthers should score a lot too. Dallas ranks 30th in the NFL in total defense after losing to the Giants and letting the Bucs run wild on them in week 1. The Cowboys will keep a lid on Jake Delhomme – everyone does nowadays – but DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart could both have big days.
Top off your NFL picks by betting on the Cowboys to cover the 8.5-point spread and go over the 47-point total.
