The first Sunday Night Football of the new season is a huge clash in the NFC East as the champions Dallas Cowboys host the team who were their bogey side last season in the New York Giants.
Not many teams were able to beat the Cowboys in the regular season but the Gmen were able to do it twice which sets this one up quite nicely. In what is expected to be a competitive division this season neither side will want to drop their opening game in it.
Dallas Cowboys
Among the success stories last season were the Dallas Cowboys with their rookie duo of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott wreaking havoc in the National Football league and it will be interesting to see if the pair can go as well this time around. You would think those opposing the Cowboys would have studied tape ever since the end of last season to repel them.
There were not many areas where the Cowboys were weak in last season but their secondary was terrible at times and maybe it will be just as important for them in this match to show they have improved in that area. Crucially Elliott has been allowed to play despite his ongoing dispute with the NFL regarding his domestic abuse suspension.
New York Giants
The Giants made the play-offs last season but were well beaten when they got there. That showed progress though and Ben McAdoo’s men have the chance to show they have kicked on again here with this match being played at primetime in the States. He has certainly reinforced the weapons Eli Manning has through the air.
One of those weapons – Odell Beckham Jr – is a doubt for this match although I think reading between the lines he will suit up. Even if he is not as active as the Giants would like he could play to free up the likes of Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard among others. The acid test will be whether the Giants defence can stay strong once again.
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Betting
I don’t expect this to be a high scoring match. Both meetings between these two were pretty tight last season despite Dallas Cowboys steamrolling most sides. I do believe that New York Giants are being underrated going into the match though.
While I understand the question marks about the availability of Beckham Jr is having a big impact on the odds I see no reason to desert the Giants just yet. They have strengthened their receiving core significantly and with no real running game to speak of the fact Eli might be forced to get it done through the air may well be no bad thing.
I see this being a field goal sort of game either way so in what should be an excellent battle to watch I will go with the Giants given that I have more questions over Dallas heading into the season than I do New York.
Tips
Back New York Giants (+4.5) to beat Dallas Cowboys for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Boylesports
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