The Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders enter their Monday evening conflict separated by lower than two video games within the over NFL standings however in vastly totally different positions when it comes to life like expectations for the remainder of the season.
The Raiders are 2-7, final place within the AFC West and nearer to a battle for the No. 1 general draft choose subsequent spring than for a playoff spot this season. The Cowboys are a meager 3-5-1, however are clinging to playoff aspirations as they welcome in vital reinforcements for the league’s Thirty first-ranked protection.
ODDS & TRENDS
Dallas has dropped consecutive video games because it travels for Week 11, however the Cowboys are nonetheless consensus 3.5-point favorites. They’ve been backed by 71% of the spread-line cash at BetRivers, the place their -190 moneyline has drawn one-sided motion with 95% of the cash and 90% of the whole bets.
Las Vegas has didn’t cowl the unfold in 4 consecutive video games in opposition to NFC opponents and has misplaced 17 of its previous 18 video games as underdogs.
In the meantime, 5 of Dallas’ previous six video games have gone Over the whole factors line, which had shifted from 50 to 49 at BetRivers by Monday afternoon. That is regardless of the general public backing the Over with 68% of the cash.
PROP PICKS
–Cowboys QB Dak Prescott 2+ TD Passes (-189 at DraftKings): The Raiders have surrendered 12 passing touchdowns by 9 video games, regardless of usually falling behind and dealing with run-heavy assaults from their opponents. Prescott has thrown 17 touchdowns, together with two or extra in 5 video games so far, resulting in this being the preferred participant prop on the guide.
–Raiders QB Geno Smith Anytime INT (-155 at BetRivers): Smith has thrown 12 picks already, together with eight by 4 dwelling video games. General, Smith has thrown at the very least one interception in 10 consecutive dwelling video games relationship again to final season with Seattle.
INSIDE EDGE
Cowboys broad receiver George Pickens is third amongst all NFL broad receivers with 12 receptions of 20+ yards this season. In the meantime, teammate Jake Ferguson is second amongst all tight ends with 10 receptions within the crimson zone, based on Inside Edge’s Outstanding engine.
KEY STAT
Dallas’ offense is averaging 40.3 factors per recreation in its three wins so far, along with battling to a 40-40 tie in a Week 4 duel in opposition to Inexperienced Bay. Within the Cowboys’ 5 losses, the offense has crossed the 24-point plateau solely as soon as.
TRAGEDY AND REINFORCEMENTS
Monday will mark the Cowboys’ first recreation since tragedy struck the group throughout the crew’s bye week.
Defensive finish Marshawn Kneeland died through a self-inflicted gunshot wound per authorities after a police chase close to the crew’s facility in Frisco, Texas. Kneeland’s loss of life got here simply days after he recovered a fumble for a landing in Dallas’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3.
Whereas members of the Cowboys’ group undoubtedly had their lives modified by the sudden lack of their teammate final week, coach Brian Schottenheimer believes Monday evening will convey a welcome sense of normalcy.
“I do not assume there will be a lot that is totally different,” Schottenheimer stated. “I believe these guys are going to be excited to be on the market with their brothers and doing what they like to do.”
Simply days earlier than Kneeland’s loss of life, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson (Bengals) and Professional Bowl defensive sort out Quinnen Williams (Jets) earlier than the commerce deadline. They may be part of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who is anticipated to make his season debut after recovering from final 12 months’s devastating knee harm.
INJURY REPORT
Cowboys defensive sort out Solomon Thomas (calf) was dominated out Saturday after lacking apply all week. Beginning safeties Donovan Wilson (elbow, shoulder) and Malik Hooker (toe) have been restricted, together with 4 others, on Thursday and Friday, however the pair have been full members on Saturday.
For the Raiders, broad receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) was restricted and linebacker Cody Lindenberg (Achilles) did not apply on Thursday however each have been full members on Saturday. Quarterback Aiden O’Connell (proper wrist) has been dominated out regardless of being a full participant at apply all week. O’Connell is on injured reserve along with his 21-day window to return opened on Oct. 29. Smith will likely be backed up by veteran Kenny Pickett.
THEY SAID IT
–“It is not only a distraction for me, it is a distraction for them. A whole lot of them have lived by a variety of tragedy of their life. Their escape is to come back and be within the locker room with their brothers, put their helmets on, exit to the apply subject. We could be feeling a variety of feelings, I am certain we are going to. My hope and what I imagine is that it will not really feel that totally different.” –Schottenheimer on the impression of Kneeland’s loss of life on the Cowboys.
–“It has been crappy, and this isn’t what I anticipated to occur. I did not really feel like we might be this far behind in the beginning of the season … It is a kick, it is a blocked kick, it is an OT catch. There are 4 to 5 video games right here that would have flipped identical to that, simply with small margins of higher play, higher execution, higher calls, and all of that.” –Raiders coach Pete Carroll
PREDICTION
The Raiders ought to show a super opponent for a Cowboys crew coming off its bye and enjoying with heavy hearts. Dallas’ passing recreation has been buzzing many of the season and Las Vegas’ error-prone offense is the proper tonic for the Cowboys’ porous protection as they work Wilson, Williams and Overshown into the fold. –Cowboys 31, Raiders 23
–Discipline Degree Media
