The 2nd Thanksgiving game is a Disaster Division clash between the Washington Football Team and the Dallas Cowboys.
It has been well documented just how bad this division has been. The 4 teams have all gotten 3 wins, with The Eagles tie with Cincinnati being the only thing separating the entire division. So, somehow, 2 3-7 teams are playing to go to top spot in the division before the weekend’s slate of games.
Betpat Betting:
Money line: Washington 5/4 Dallas 13/20
Points Spread: Dallas -2.5
Over/Under: 46
I’m not surprised to see the Cowboys listed as favourites given the amount of quality in the team, especially on the offensive side of the ball. As good as the Washington defense has been, I would have to favour the overs at 46 points. There are just too many playmakers offensively on the field for me to be comfortable with backing less than 50 points.
Fantasy Football Outlook:
Washington Football Team:
The Football Teams’ offense sees one of the feel-good stories of the season, the returning Alex Smith, at Quarterback. Unfortunately, he is unlikely to have much effect at the top of the fantasy landscape, but his steady presence is, at least, good news for owners of receiver Terry McLaurin.
Rookie Antonio Gibson leads the stable of Running Backs while JD McKissic provided the change of pace option. Gibson has had an excellent rookie season so far, especially the last 4 games where he has averaged nearly 17 points. McKissic is the pass catching back out of the group and while he won’t score big points on a regular basis, he’s capable of big days.
Their receiving options revolve around the afore mentioned ‘Scary’ Terry McLaurin, although he is listed as questionable with an ankle problem and, even if he plays, his production may suffer. Isaiah Wright and Cam Sims are the supporting cast along with former QB now playing Tight End Logan Thomas. None are household names and the only legit reason for playing either of them is the dire quality of the Cowboys secondary. Worth noting Thomas racked up 60 yards and a TD in the week 7 game between these 2.
Washington have a surprisingly good defense for a 3-7 team and only conceded 3 points against the Cowboys last time out, although Dallas finished that game with Ben DiNucci at QB.
Dallas Cowboys:
The Red Rifle had an impressive return last week after missing 2 games out due to the injury he suffered at the hands of the Football Team, throwing 3 TD’s in the win at Minnesota.
A big factor in that win was the performance of RB Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott has been underperforming since getting the big contract the Cowboys handed him in the 2019 off-season and the Cowboys have struggled to separate themselves from the rest of a brutal division as a result. We all know what he is capable of if he is on song and they feed him the ball.
Much like the Alex Smith effect, the Cowboys receiver corps gets a massive boost from Andy Dalton returning. They’ll need him too as the Washington defense is statistically the best in the league against WR’s in fantasy.
My Prediction:
How can anyone predict what will happen in this train-wreck of a division at this stage. On one hand, Andy Dalton’s return gives Dallas a shot and if they can get Elliott rolling again, you’d have to put them as favourites. On the other hand, Washington’s defense are really good and Ron Rivera is beginning to stamp his mark on the team. If Alex Smith can manage the game effectively, which he has made his career doing, this is a big ask for Dallas. I’m leaning towards the team with the better defense, but this is anyone’s game.
Washington by 1
