Anticipation is Peaking for Sunday’s Game; NFL Picks

Maybe it has been the ten day layoff for both teams, that has this matchup between the Cowboys and Giants so highly anticipated.  Since Thanksgiving, players from both team have been doing more than their fair share of smack talk.  As we know, this is not unusual in this great rivalry.  However, this year seems to bring a slew of captivating subplots to the forefront. 

For one, we are all familiar with the demons facing the Cowboys in the month of December.  For the past three years, the Cowboys deficiencies late in the year have been the most discussed storyline in the NFL.  Once again, like the past three season heading into December, the Cowboys find themselves on top of the NFC East.  Most of the players remain mum on their late season failures except Bradie James who insists on using it as motivation.

“There’s no way I can sit back and just forget about what has happened in our past,” James said. “Nobody is exempt from the criticism if you don’t take care of business in December and go to the playoffs and do what we need to do. That’s what time it is now.” 

He continued …

“We need to right the wrong as far as December, because that’s what everybody’s been saying.  We have a tough schedule in December. There’s no way of getting around that. We won’t be able to get around the schedule that we have, so we’ve got to play one game at a time and go out to play to win.”

The Cowboys are always an enigma.  Although some feel this year, the team is ready to progress.  Tony Romo has put together a nice year, and the Cowboys offense has been just fine with the loss of Terrell Owens.  More importantly, the defense is playing at a championship level.  Wade Phillips deserves credit for the job he has done this year on the defensive side of the ball.  Even though the Cowboys remain one of the league’s worst at creating turnover’s, they are among the top in the league in sacks and scoring defense. 

Much has been made about this being a ”must” win for the Giants.  There is no disputing that.  However, this game holds tremendous weight for the Cowboys psyche moving forward.  A victory Sunday makes the next two weeks against the Chargers and Saints seem not as daunting.  A loss … Well, then the pressure knob will be turned on high. 

A loss would make the Cowboys the most attacked 8-4 division leading team arguably in the history of the game.  Nationwide media outlets, bloggers and fans will be ripping the Cowboys for opening the door to another possible December collapse.  Romo will be numerously cited for his trip to Vegas as the possible reason for another devastating loss to the Giants.  Phillips will field countless questions about his job security, or lack thereof.  A loss would have the entire sports world questioning the Cowboys lack of fortitude in important late-season games.

On the other hand, the reaction will be different for the Giants.  If they win, people will be thinking the Giants might have one more late-season run in them.  A loss, however, will leave people citing the Giants injuries as being the main cause for defeat.  You will read headlines such as: “Injuries Doom the Giants Season,” or “Manning’s Injured Foot Cripples the Giants”. 

So now you see.  Not since last year in Philly has there been a more pivotal game for the Dallas Cowboys.  Whether right or wrong, either outcome will be overblown by the media and fans.  At 9-3 or 8-4 nothing will be decided for the Cowboys.  However, a loss would bring a monumental amount of pressure.  Pressure that very well could be the straw that breaks the camels back.  Given their recent mishaps in December, a victory in the Meadowlands can take them a long way. 

NFL Picks (HOME team in CAPS)

Texans PK @ JAGUARS

The Texans have really struggled in recent weeks.  Blowing a 17 point lead last week was inexcusable.  That being said (to quote Curb), they have the ability to light up the score board versus the Jaguars.  I do not think the Jaguars will be able to stop or keep up with the Texans offense.  Texans 30 – 20

Eagles -5.5 @ FALCONS

Are the Eagles capable of a stinker here?  Of Course.  They have always been a difficult team to bet.  It all rests on McNabb’s right arm.  If he is accurate, the Eagles win this game easily by double digits.  If he is off, then it might take a boot from Akers to pull out a victory.  Eagles 27 – 16 

BENGALS -13 v. Lions

As I said yesterday, the Bengals have consistently played down to lesser opponents this year.  However, the Lions are hurting on offense, and with Benson returning the Bengals should put up points.  I cannot see the Lions scoring more than 10 points in this game.  Bengals 28 – 10

Turn The Key (Bet of the Week)

Cowboys -2.5 @ GIANTS

You knew this would be the bet.  Simply put, the Cowboys are the better team.  They have been lucky with injuries, and their defense has been playing great.  It is tough to ignore the Cowboys lack of success late in the season, but this team seems better prepared than the ones in years past.  The subtle changes in the offseason seemed to have payed dividends in the locker room.  The overall chemistry of the team is better, and that should help the Cowboys overcome their demons.  Cowboys 24 – 20

Tags: Dallas Cowboys, Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jerry Jones, Miles Austin, New York Giants, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Terrell Owens, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips