Bad start to the year (1-4), but I'll turn it around once I get a better feel, i.e., I really wanted to play Cincy yesterday but decided that was too U-G-L-Y. Oh well. We move on.
DALLAS +7.5 @ N.Y. GIANTS
I hedged initially because I do think this will be a tightly contested game. However, I don't think the Cowboys will be able to A.) finish drives, B.) Avoid penalties and big plays on defense, or C.) Contain Tiki Barber, (See B), well enough to win.
KEY MATCHUP
Ike Hilliard vs. Dallas' secondary.
If Hilliard gets involved, forget about it. Toomer will be enough trouble as it is. If Dallas safeties Williams and Woodson don't concentrate on the run, Tiki will kill them. But if Hilliard proves to be a threat against new starter Mario Edwards and is able to stretch the field and keep those safeties guessing, Dallas is in big trouble.
Hilliard estimated stats:
4 REC 85 YDS 0 TD
STAT TO WATCH:
Quincy Carter; Completion Percentage.
The Giants will most likely stuff the Boys' run game, so Carter will have to be smart in his checkdowns and get the yards the G-Men give him in the passing game. A bunch of 3rd-and 10's will destroy Dallas' hopes. I think he'll be OK, and if he approaches 60%, Dallas has a shot. But red-zone execution will be the big key.
NY GIANTS 21 DALLAS 9
(NY Giants -7.5)
FWIW, I like the under here too, and might just add it later.
Good luck,
Space.
DALLAS +7.5 @ N.Y. GIANTS
I hedged initially because I do think this will be a tightly contested game. However, I don't think the Cowboys will be able to A.) finish drives, B.) Avoid penalties and big plays on defense, or C.) Contain Tiki Barber, (See B), well enough to win.
KEY MATCHUP
Ike Hilliard vs. Dallas' secondary.
If Hilliard gets involved, forget about it. Toomer will be enough trouble as it is. If Dallas safeties Williams and Woodson don't concentrate on the run, Tiki will kill them. But if Hilliard proves to be a threat against new starter Mario Edwards and is able to stretch the field and keep those safeties guessing, Dallas is in big trouble.
Hilliard estimated stats:
4 REC 85 YDS 0 TD
STAT TO WATCH:
Quincy Carter; Completion Percentage.
The Giants will most likely stuff the Boys' run game, so Carter will have to be smart in his checkdowns and get the yards the G-Men give him in the passing game. A bunch of 3rd-and 10's will destroy Dallas' hopes. I think he'll be OK, and if he approaches 60%, Dallas has a shot. But red-zone execution will be the big key.
NY GIANTS 21 DALLAS 9
(NY Giants -7.5)
FWIW, I like the under here too, and might just add it later.
Good luck,
Space.
