San Diego Chargers at Dallas Cowboys Odds
The 9-3 San Diego Chargers visit the 8-4 Dallas Cowboys this Sunday in one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 14. Last week, San Diego jumped out to an early lead and held on for A 30-23 win over Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Cowboys fell 31-24 to division rival New York. These two teams have not faced off since the 2005 season opener when the Cowboys defeated the Chargers 28-24 behind a big day from Drew Bledsoe. That win was the fourth in the last five meetings for Dallas, which holds a 6-2 lead in the all-time series. NFL odds makers expect Dallas to build on its all-time series lead, listing the Cowboys as 3-point favorites with the total set at 48.
December has been the month from hell for these Cowboys since QB Tony Romo landed the starting job. How ironic that the 1968-1972 Cowboys actually held a 13-game December winning streak, the longest in the NFL until these Chargers, who have won 15 straight December contests dating back to 2006, broke it. At this point, it almost has to be psychological for the Boys. They need a December win in the worst way and one over a team that has won 15 straight in the month and seven in a row overall would do a lot for their confidence.
Odds makers are expecting this to be a close game, and that means that it could come down to field goal kicking. The Chargers have one of the best kickers in the league in Nate Kaeding and he should give them the edge unless Dallas’ Nick Folk can get things turned around. Folk was one of the best kickers in the NFL statistically over his first two seasons, but he has hit a rough patch the last four weeks, making just two of his seven field goal attempts. The good news is the Cowboys are at home where they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
San Diego is rolling right now and QB Philip Rivers has a lot to do with that. We have heard a ton about Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and even Brett Favre this season, but Rivers certainly deserves his due. Rivers has built on his outstanding 2008 season with another strong campaign, already throwing for 3,311 yards and 21 touchdowns. He could be poised for another big day against a Cowboys defense ranked just 20th against the pass.
The Cowboys have DeMarcus Ware, but the Chargers have Shaun Phillips, who is arguably rushing the QB better than anyone else in the league right now. He has seven sacks in his last seven games, and if he is able to bring the heat Sunday, it could go a long way toward a Charger win. You can bet Dallas is praying this guy won’t be able to go as he is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. It is worth noting that the Cowboys are 3-13-2 ATS in their last 18 games in December.
