NFL Betting :
Eagles, Cowboys Square Off For NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Football : United States : NFL
Sunday, 3rd January 2010 - Kickoff 4:15PM ET

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NFL Betting Line : Cowboys -3

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Most sports wagering cappers know that the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys will play for the NFC East on Sunday, but there is a lot more on the line than just that.

The Eagles have climbed all the way up to the No. 2 seed in the NFC and because of the Minnesota Vikings recent slump (losses in three of their last four games), and both the Cowboys and Eagles could end up as high as No. 2 in the NFC with a first-round playoff bye.

Internet betting sharps should keep in mind that although both teams can reach No. 2 in the conference, they could also end up as low as No. 6 with road games ahead.

For the Eagles, the math is simple: win and you’re the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a first-round bye.

For the Cowboys, it’s a little more complicated: win and you clinch the NFC East but to get the No. 2 seed, they would need the Vikings to lose and the Arizona Cardinals to lose.

There are scenarios aplenty for both of these NFC East squads and as we all know, Week 17 usually brings plenty of hoopla and hijinx.

In Week 17 last year, the Cowboys and Eagles squared off in Philadelphia with the Cowboys holding a Wild Card spot at the beginning of the game. At the end of their 44-6 blowout loss to Dallas, it was the Eagles that held that spot and sent the Cowboys packing into the offseason.

In this year’s matchup, both teams will be heading to the playoffs but one team will be the NFC East winner with at least one home game to play while the other will be road bound for whole playoffs.

Both teams have been playing well lately so this will be a close contest. But the Cowboys have the better, more balanced team, which should lead to the win unless they start turning the ball over like crazy.

The Eagles offensive line took a big hit this week as center Jamaal Jackson was lost for the year. That should allow the Cowboys to collapse the pocket on Donovan McNabb a little more and get an edge on defense.

THE BETTING VERDICT

With revenge on their minds, the Cowboys will get square and win the NFC East.

The Pick :

Cowboys 24, Eagles 17

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the DALLAS Cowboys to win and cover the spread.