NFL Betting :
Cowboys Will Squeak By Vikings

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Football : United States : NFL Divisional Playoff
Sunday, 17th January 2010 - Kickoff 1pm ET

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Betting Line : Vikings -2.5

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Last week, the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl odds improved as they advanced to the second round of the NFL playoffs. It was the first playoff win for the Cowboys since 1996 and it really took a lot of pressure off of the team and head coach Wade Phillips. Now the Cowboys can relax and continue what they’ve been doing over the last month: having fun on the football field.

It’s always good to see the results coming when you’re having fun and the Cowboys have shown it. In the middle of December when the pressure was at its highest, NFL betting fans saw the Cowboys just get back to basics, which led to a win over the New Orleans Saints, who previously hadn’t lost to that point.

Since that time, the Cowboys defense has allowed only 31 points in four games while the offense has been on fire. Quarterback Tony Romo has posted a quarterback rating of 100 or more in six of his last seven games while Miles Austin and Jason Witten have been playing like Pro Bowlers. Throw in a solid running game and the Cowboys will be tough to beat at any point in these playoffs.

The Minnesota Vikings would normally be a tough opponent to face but bettors have to consider how the two teams are playing heading into this game. While the Cowboys have won four straight, the Vikings have lost three of their last five contests.

The Vikings have also suffered some injuries on defense, which has hampered their premier unit. Cornerback Antoine Winfield isn’t fully healthy while the team will be without starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile on offense, the Vikings have been playing with minimal contributions from running back Adrian Peterson. While he still finished with 18 touchdowns this year, he only averaged 3.3 yards per carry down the stretch of the season.

THe Betting Verdict

How far can the Vikings go in the playoffs simply on the arm of Brett Favre? He has also struggled in the month of December, which has contributed to the team’s issues, which means that they will need a 180-turnaround if they plan to win on Sunday.

The Cowboys are just the hotter team right now and they are an underdog. They are the better play with the points.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Cowboys 21, Vikings 17

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the DALLAS Cowboys +2.5 pts to cover - and they might win the game as well.