I guess it’s a good thing the Philadelphia Eagles have already clinched a playoff spot. Earlier this week the team placed 12 players on the COVID list leaving their status for the Week 18 regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys in jeopardy. And there’s a good chance they sit Jalen Hurts to nurse a lingering ankle injury ahead of the playoffs. Dallas clinched the NFC East a few weeks back but could use some fine tuning for a long playoff run. This is something we wouldn’t have said earlier in the season, but the Cowboys’ defense is holding the club together. Dallas was wagered to a full touchdown favorite on the NFL betting line for this matchup.
This regular season Week 18 matchup will take place on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 8:15 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA and will be televised on ABC/ESPN.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dallas Cowboys -7
Philadelphia Eagles +7
Total 43
Odds Analysis
With injuries and a COVID spike the game has lost some of its intrigue. It didn’t help that both teams are already in the playoffs with little movement in the seedings riding on the outcome. Dallas is guaranteed a home game in the Wild Card round while the Eagles will hit the road. Still, the NFC East rivals don’t like each other so there could be fireworks. The Boys hit the board as a 3.5-point road favorite until news of Philly’s COVID outbreak hit. With several starters and key players affected the line was wagered to Dallas -7. Dallas had its quest for the top overall seed vanquished in last week’s 25-22 loss to Arizona ending a four-game SU and ATS winning streak. Philly clinched last week beating Washington for its fourth win in a row and sixth in the last seven games. They went 4-2-1 ATS in those games. With the possibility of starters on both sides resting the total dropped a few points to 43.
Key Injury
The Cowboys suffered a big injury last week when Michael Gallup tore up his knee. Gallup played third fiddle to Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb posting 35 receptions for 445 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Gallup missed seven games earlier in the season after sustaining a calf injury in the season opener. With the Cowboys offense sputtering of late this would be a good opportunity for Dak Prescott to work on things with whoever takes Gallup’s spot. The likely candidate is Cedrick Wilson, who filled in last week with six receptions and a touchdown.
COVID got the Eagles big time on Monday with 12 players placed in the health and safety protocols. And there are some significant names on the list including Dallas Goedert, Jordan Howard, Boston Scott and Fletcher Cox. Every player is either a starter or has seen significant playing time this season. There is a chance some or all of the players will be available to play on Saturday since the league adjusted its return-to-play policy. Still, it’s likely some starters get a rest since a victory doesn’t guarantee a higher seed.
Key Stat
For the first time in five games the Cowboys didn’t force a turnover and guess what? Yep, they lost to Arizona. Though they didn’t create a turnover the Cowboys are still tied for the NFL lead in takeaways with 33 and in every game they have a takeaway it’s always been more than one. Even when they don’t get a turnover the defense has been solid. The Cowboys have held six of their previous eight opponents to 20 points or less. And they’ve been good on the road not allowing more than 20 points in any of their last five away games while going 4-1 SU and ATS while cashing the UNDER in all five games. The Cowboys intercepted Jalen Hurts twice, including a 59-yard pick-six from Trevon Diggs, in their 41-21 victory in Week 3. Diggs leads the NFL with 11 of Dallas’ league-high 25 interceptions.
Free ATS Pick
Games like this are difficult to handicap. It has a preseason feel to it only with fewer players. And that means we will see some starters, but there’s a good chance many of the key performers take a seat. In a battle of backup QB’s Cooper Rush has the advantage. In his only start he threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns in a road win over Minnesota. And while there’s a chance some of Philly’s COVID players return it’s hard to imagine them being impactful after being sequestered for a number of days. It’s hard to pass on a home team getting a full touchdown, but I’m doing that here.
NFL Pick: Dallas Cowboys -7 / OVER 43
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