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NFL odds: 2008 Cowboys
By Jordan WaltersWagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
| Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook |
2007 record: 13-4 including playoffs (9-8 ATS)
Offense: This team really has no holes on offense. Tony Romo has become the best quarterback in the NFC; running back Marion Barber got a fat contract after a Pro Bowl season splitting time last year and now will be the feature back; big-play threat Felix Jones was drafted in the first round to add a change of pace at running back and return kicks; Terrell Owens seems happy with his quarterback and his contract; Jason Witten is one of the league’s top tight ends; and the offensive line is solid. So what’s the worry? Perhaps receiver depth, as Terry Glenn was let go. Patrick Crayton will be the No. 2, but he tends to get a case of the dropsies. The only players behind T.O. and Crayton are untested Sam Hurd and Miles Austin. Look for Dallas to perhaps add a veteran receiver.
Defense: Another star-studded unit added two more in the offseason: Adam (don’t call me Pacman) Jones and Zach Thomas. Jones has been on his best behavior and is a stellar cover corner and return man. His was a risk worth taking. As was bringing Thomas back to Texas; he has something left in the tank and will be energized by playing for a contender for the first time in years. This side has so much depth that former Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams could be limited to nickel packages or play pseudo-linebacker at times.
Key additions: CB Adam Jones, CB; Cory Lekkerkerker, OL; Zach Thomas, LB
Key losses: Akin Ayodele, LB; Keith Davis, CB; Anthony Fasano, TE; Jason Ferguson, DT; Julius Jones, RB; Jacque Reeves, CB
2008 over/under: 10.5 (bet the over!) WagerWeb.com odds to win NFC: +180 WagerWeb.com odds to win Super Bowl: +600 (second in NFL to Patriots) Tony Romo MVP odds on WagerWeb.com: +750 Terrell Owens MVP odds on WagerWeb.com: +1200
Wrap-up: This team sent 11 players to the Pro Bowl last year, and it only got more talented. Is there a potential for chemistry problems with Adam Jones getting in trouble or T.O. getting unhappy if Romo doesn’t throw every pass to him? Sure. And coach Wade Phillips knows this is probably his last season with coach-in-waiting Jason Garrett looking over his shoulder, so a slow start could create major pressure on this team. Still, it’s the runaway favorite of the NFC.
Best bet: Week 1 at Cleveland. Why not win some money right away? Sportsbooks list the Cowboys as 3-point favorites, and they should handle the Browns by at least a touchdown.
Cowboys’ 2008 schedule
1 @Cleveland
2 Philadelphia
3 @Green Bay
4 Washington
5 Cincinnati
6 @Arizona
7 @St Louis
8 Tampa Bay
9 @NY Giants
10 BYE
11 @Washington
12 San Francisco
13 Seattle
14 @Pittsburgh
15 NY Giants
16 Baltimore
17 @Philadelphia
Predicted finish: 12-4 (1st in NFC East), beat Vikings in NFC title game
