Bears vs. Cowboys Free Pick
One week after suffering an embarrassing road loss, the Dallas Cowboys will look to regroup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have made the Cowboys 7-point home favorites over the Bears, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 40.5 points.
The Bears Win If:
They convert in the red zone. The Bears were 0-4 last week in red zone attempts, which was part of the reason why the Lions were able to stay in the game without quarterback Matthew Stafford (shoulder). Mike Martz-led offenses have always had a problem converting touchdowns inside the red zone because the field shrinks and opponents can defense his crossing patterns better. If Chicago can’t convert in the red zone this weekend, then Dallas is going to roll. Another thing the Bears must do is protect Jay Cutler, especially if DeMarcus Ware (neck) winds up playing. Cutler has a habit of throwing into coverage when he’s under pressure, so the Bears need to make sure he has time to throw.
The Cowboys Win If:
Their offense doesn’t resemble the same inept group it was last week. The ‘Boys performance last Sunday night in Washington was pathetic and even though they almost won the game, this team must play remarkable better on that side of the ball this weekend. Alex Barron was a disaster in Week 1 and that could spell trouble considering Julius Peppers will be lining up in front of him this Sunday. If the Cowboys can’t figure out how to get Barron more help in pass protection, then they can expect even more penalties then the 12 they accumulated last week.
Prediction:
The thought here might be to just take the points seeing as how the Cowboys were a complete mess last week. But people give the Bears more credit then they deserve – they’re a very average football team that will have to overcome playing in what will be a ruckus scene in Dallas this week. Chicago’s shaky pass protection is going to be challenge by Ware and the rest of Dallas’ front seven and I don’t see the Cowboys committing 12 penalties two weeks in a row – especially with this being their home opener. Cutler only threw one interception last weekend but expect more on Sunday in what could be a blowout.
2010 NFL Week 2 Free Pick: DALLAS COWBOYS –7
BONUS: OVER 40.5