SPORTS N STUFF

sports betting players have watched Dallas give away victories in each of the last two weeks, and a Week 14 loss to a divisional rival could be a huge blow to their playoff chances. But the Cowboys will get back on the horse this weekend in Tampa Bay, as the Bucs are playing as badly as anyone in the league and they wont put up much of a resistance against Dallas.

What: NFL Betting
When: Saturday, December 17th, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Pick: Dallas Cowboys -7

Why Bet On Dallas Cowboys (7-6 SU, 4-8-1 ATS)

The Cowboys lost a 12-point lead with 5:41 to play, falling 37-34 at home to the New York Giants in a game they needed to have as theyre now tied with the Giants for first in the NFC East. Tony Romo was brilliant, going 21-of-31 for 321 yards and four touchdowns, while Felix Jones stepped in for the injured DeMarco Murray by running for 106 yards on only 16 carries, although he did have a fumble. They were let down by a couple of things: the offensive line allowed three sacks and allowed New York end Jason Pierre-Paul to run wild all day, including on the field-goal attempt that would have sent the game to overtime, but instead Pierre-Paul blocked it. The defense was miserable, allowing 510 yards while giving the Giants three first downs because of penalties (Dallas committed 10 penalties as a team). However, the Cowboys should have still won this game despite their defense and if they end up missing the playoffs, this will be a game that NFL betting players will point to.

Murray (ankle) needs surgery and is likely gone for the rest of the season, while cornerback Mike Jenkins (shoulder) will have an MRI done this week and center Phil Costa (concussion) will have to pass tests this week. Without these players, the Cowboys are still far more talented than Tampa Bay, but they have to find the mental strength of bounce back from not only the loss against the Giants, but from last weeks disappointing loss in Arizona. Dallas is still in the hunt for the East title, but they have to shrug off a couple of really bad losses. 

Why Bet On Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9 SU, 4-9 ATS)

The Bucs jumped out a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter….and then they were slaughtered in a 41-14 loss in Jacksonville in a brutal performance. Josh Freeman was 16-of-30 for 181 yards and two picks, and the Bucs had seven turnovers (three interceptions, four fumbles) as a team; Jacksonville scored on two of those turnovers. LaGarrette Blount ran for 74 yards and a score, while Tampa Bay had 110 yards on the ground, but the Buccaneers kept turning the ball over and it was all downhill from there. The defense was put in bad positions by the offenses mistakes, but they also gave the Jaguars four first downs due to penalties (Tampa Bay had 12 penalties as a team). It was a performance that makes you think that head coach Raheem Morris could be in trouble if the Buccaneers dont improve as they were completely outclassed for the last three quarters of the game.

Freeman (shoulder) played through pain, but he may have improved Tampa Bays NFL betting odds if he had sat out. Cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring) sat out and the Bucs may need him this weekend against Dallas strong passing game. The Bucs have now lost seven in a row and are just trying to finish the regular season on a high note because theyve been incredibly disappointing and heading into next season, theyre going to be projected as the worst team in the NFC South. Everyone is playing for their jobs right now, as well as their pride and especially in front of their home fans, Tampa Bay needs to avoid a blowout at the very least. If they are routed again, Morris may be out of a job.

How It Will Play Out

This NFL betting option is off the board right now as sportsbooks are getting all of their injury information straightened away, but its highly likely that the Cowboys will be favored on the road in Tampa Bay. Dallas is 3-3 SU and 4-2 ATS in six meetings with the Bucs since 2000, and two of their SU wins came in Tampa Bay. The Bucs are 2-5 ATS at home this season, while the Cowboys are 2-3-1 ATS on the road.

Going on the road may be the best thing for the Cowboys as they can get away from the media in Dallas, and the Bucs are a perfect foil for them as Tampa Bay has no rhythm or confidence right now. Theyre just aiming to avoid a romp at the hands of the Cowboys, who are a much better team on both sides of the ball and theyll take out some frustrations on the Bucs. Take Dallas to cover the sports betting spread on Saturday night.

Cowboys Buccaneers Betting Pick: Dallas Cowboys