NFL Free Pick: BAL/DAL
One of the best games on the Week 16 schedule this week is in Dallas, where the playoff-hopeful Cowboys host the postseason-worthy Baltimore Ravens.
Our team of writers and handicappers break down the matchup and hand out a Free NFL Pick for Week 16.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Cowboys -4 point spread favorite. The over/under for this game has been set at 39.5 total points.
Key Trend: The Ravens are 7-2 against the spread in their last nine games and 4-1 againt the spread in their last five games on the road. The total has also gone over in four of Baltimore’s last five games on the road.
Key Stat: Baltimore has stifled opponents this season, allowing just 15.2 points per game and shutting down both the pass (142.1 YPG) and run (77.9 YPG).
Game Outlook: It’s going to happen. At some point, all of the off-field distractions surrounding the Cowboys will eventually tear this team apart on the field. It didn’t happen last week and Dallas took advantage of a struggling and depleted New York Giants squad. But Baltimore has one of the best defenses in the league, is coming off a last second loss to divisional rival Pittsburgh and their ground attack has been excellent all season. Marion Barber is expected to play for Dallas, but he probably won’t be much of a factor against the Ravens’ stout defense. And Baltimore’s secondary has enough talent to defuse the Cowboys’ outstanding offensive weapons. This is going to be an absolute battle, but expect Tony Romo to be under constant duress and eventually make a mistake or two that costs the Cowboys this game. For the rest of our Free NFL Pick, see below.
Our Free NFL Pick for the Week 16 matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys game is
BALTIMORE RAVENS +4
TheSpread.com Projected Final Score
Baltimore Ravens 17
Dallas Cowboys 13
We also predict that this game will GO UNDER THE TOTAL (39.5 Sports Interaction.com) SET BY ODDSMAKERS
Posted: 12/20/08 11:20AM ET