NFL Sunday Night Football Eagles vs Cowboys 2 Dec 2012

Sunday Night Football December 1st, 2012 8:20 EST TV: NBC

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys -11 OvUn 43

The Eagles and the Cowboys face off in an all NFC East Sunday Night affair with both teams having envisioned better seasons than their current results show.

Dallas has not had game action since a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Giants at home, 38-31. It was Dallas’ worst defensive effort of the season and is another chapter in their struggles at Cowboy Stadium. Dallas is banged up with several offensive and defensive injuries, including starting cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

However, they should get top running back Demarco Murray back this Sunday Night; the second year the running back has missed the last six games with a sprained foot. They come into the game with a 5-6 record, tied with Washington for 2nd in the NFC East, but the Redskins hold the head to tiebreaker.

To say the Eagles have had a disappointing season would be an understatement. With a 3-8 record and a seven game losing streak, the wheels fell off weeks ago for Philadelphia. With a possible head coaching and quarterback change looming in the offseason, the Eagles face the prospect of full scale rebuilding mode. Michael Vick still remains sidelined with a concussion and rookie Nick Foles will again start under center. Lesean McCoy is also out with lingering concussion symptoms; Bryce Brown will draw another start in his place.

Philly’s last game was a home Monday Night loss a week ago to the Carolina Panthers, 30-22. Bryce Brown was the lone bright spot for the Eagles as the rookie back rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start.

The Line

Dallas opened at -10.5 favorites a line that still may be available at some shops with most having the game at Dallas -11. The total has not moved from the opening number of 43.

The Play

The Eagles certainly do not deserve much respect considering how they’ve played lately, but we’re thinking the oddsmakers are giving Dallas a little too much credit in this game. The Cowboys are 2-3 at home, and were forced into overtime against Cleveland two weeks ago in a game they likely should have lost. Philadelphia has been abysmal as of late, but this is a divisional game and judging by how the Cowboys have played at home, +11 seems remarkably generous.

Andy Reid will also be giving playing time to many of the younger players on the roster, which at first may worry bettors. We see it as a positive. Considering how poor the Eagles have been on both sides of the ball, there should not be much of a drop off with some 2nd and 3rd teamers getting on the action. The younger players are also fresher and hungrier. We see a more motivated Philly team keeping this one a little closer and trying to avoid being embarrassed on national television.

Eagles +11