Last Updated on December 13, 2009 2:15 pm by Anthony Rome
Bolts vs. Cowboys Pick
One of the best matchups in Week 14 takes place in “Big D” this Sunday when the Dallas Cowboys host the San Diego Chargers at 4:15PM ET.
The Chargers defeated the Browns 30-23 as a 14-point favorite in Week 13, while the combined score went over the posted total of 42.5 points. Philip Rivers threw for 373 yards and two touchdowns in the win, while tight end Antonio Gates hauled in eight passes for 167 yards.
The Cowboys lost to the Giants 31-25 as a 1-point favorite in Week 13, while the combined score went over the posted total of 45.5 points. Tony Romo threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns in the loss, while tight end Jason Witten caught 14 passes for 156 yards.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Cowboys 3-point favorites over the Chargers in Week 14. The over/under total for this game has been set at 48.5 points.
Both teams have been excellent of late, as San Diego is 4-1 against the spread in its last five games, while Dallas is 4-1 against the number in its last five games at home.
The public is going to love the Chargers in this matchup because they’ve been red-hot over the past two months and they’re getting points in this matchup. But we caution against falling in line with what everyone else thinks for this game.
The Cowboys have played inspired ball at home this season and seem to get up statement games. They haven’t been great in December over the past couple years under Wade Phillips, but we think their defense will rise to the challenge and contain San Diego’s potent passing attack.
We favor the Cowboys –3 in this matchup, as well as the under 48.5 points. As we said before, we think this will be more of a defensive battle then people think and the under has hit in four of the Cowboys’ last five games.
Our NFL Week 14 Free Pick for this matchup is: DALLAS COWBOYS -3 and UNDER 48.5.
Chargers vs. Cowboys Current Odds
129 San Diego Chargers +3 (+160 moneyline) Over 48.5
130 Dallas Cowboys –3 (-180 moneyline) Under 48.5
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas’s last 5 games
SAN DIEGO
[NT] 09/19/2009 – Jamal Williams IR ( Tricep )
[LB] 10/20/2009 – Antwan Applewhite IR ( Hamstring )
[LB] 11/18/2009 – Jyles Tucker IR ( Ankle )
[OT] 11/23/2009 – Jeromey Clary out indefinitely ( Ankle )
[FS] 11/30/2009 – Eric Weddle expected to miss Sunday vs. Dallas ( Knee )
[DE] 12/06/2009 – Luis Castillo "?" Sunday vs. Dallas ( Calf )
[LB] 12/06/2009 – Shawne Merriman "?" Sunday vs. Dallas ( Foot )
[C] 12/08/2009 – Nick Hardwick doubtful Sunday vs. Dallas ( Ankle )
[DE] 12/09/2009 – Ogemdi Nwagbuo IR ( Ankle )
[LT] 12/10/2009 – Marcus McNeill "?" Sunday vs. Dallas ( Ankle )
[DE] 12/10/2009 – Alfonso Boone doubtful Sunday vs. Dallas ( Knee )
DALLAS
[OT] 09/07/2009 – Robert Brewster PUP list ( Pectoral )
[LB] 08/22/2009 – Brandon Williams IR ( ACL )
[LB] 09/06/2009 – Stephen Hodge IR ( Knee )
[OT] 12/10/2009 – Marc Colombo Out 6 weeks b/c of a fractured fibula. ( Fibula )
[S] 12/06/2009 – Mike Hamlin "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Head )
[S] 12/10/2009 – Ken Hamlin expected to miss Sunday vs. San Diego ( Ankle )
[FB] 12/10/2009 – Deon Anderson injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Knee )
[TE] 12/10/2009 – Martellus Bennett injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Concussion )
[TE] 12/10/2009 – Jason Witten "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Foot )
[CB] 12/10/2009 – Terence Newman "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Knee )
[LB] 12/10/2009 – Demarcus Ware Fracture in his wrist. "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Wrist )
Posted: 12/13/09 3:15PM ET