Sunday’s Redskins-Cowboys game in Dallas is expected to be coach Jason Garrett’s last time on the sidelines for owner Jerry Jones. Jones is expected to fire Garrett the following day, on what is called “Black Monday,” when NFL teams release underperforming coaches.
I believe Sunday in Arlington, Texas is going to be a painful day for Dallas. That’s why I’m taking Washington and the 10.5 points with my weekly One Bet, $100 pick.
Last week I took Miami against Cincinnati and didn’t need the 1.5 points. The Dolphins won outright at home, 38-35.
One Bet, $100
This Week’s Pick       Last Week’s Result    Season Total
Washington +10.5       Won Miami          10-7, Up $385
This week, I’m putting an upset special on the Redskins-Cowboys game. I believe Dallas has nothing left in the motivation department. The players know their coach is gone, their starting quarterback has a bum shoulder, and the defense can’t stop opposing quarterbacks.
Redskins, Cowboys Banged Up
When the game opened last Sunday, the line was seven points in Dallas’ favor. The sharps jumped all over it, and drove it up to 10.5. The thinking was Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins was out with a high-ankle sprain, so the team would be at a disadvantage.
But is Case Keenum really that much of a downgrade? Keenum started when the two teams played in September, and finished 26 of 37 for 221 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Redskins lost 31-21, but it wasn’t because of Keenum.
The Cowboys have issues at quarterback as well. For the second straight week, Dak Prescott has been hampered with a shoulder injury. On Thursday, the signal caller did not practice. He’s expected to play Sunday, but how effective will he be?
Garrett told reporters that he will try and protect his quarterback.
“Last week we really took it day by day, and this week we’ll do the same thing,” Garrett said. “Obviously he was able to play in the ball game, so hopefully we can get him on the same path where he’s able to go on Sunday.”
The Cowboys are still alive for a playoff spot, but two things need to happen. First, Philadelphia needs to lose at the New York Giants. The Eagles are favored to win by four points.
Second, the Cowboys have to defeat the Redskins. I believe that will be where Dallas falls.
Why Washington will Cover
The Redskins lost to the Cowboys at home by 10 points in Week 2 of the NFL season. I believe Washington is going to pull off the upset in the rematch.
Why? With nothing left to play for this season, the Redskins also have nothing to lose by putting it all out on the field on Sunday. The Cowboys, on the other hand, still have an outside chance at a post-season spot, but they’re beat up both mentally and physically. With all of the problems they have to overcome — and with coach Garrett likely stalking the sidelines for the last time — I think the Cowboys are just as likely to pack it in as they are to play for the win.
Even if the Redskins don’t win, they will keep this game a lot closer than the last one. Giving away 10.5 points seems excessive to me, and the cover should be an easy one.