Free Pick Rundown: Free Picks To Help Jerry Jones Buy Another New Face

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Free Pick Rundown, Philadelphia Eagles

· Ah, the Sedge Court Journal boys: “The Eagles already weak offensive line suffered another setback with the loss of center Frank Haley.” That’s cute. “Frank Haley.” They pick Dallas and we don’t mind the fact because, well, they’ve obviously been huffing shoe polish. [Sedge Court Journal]
· Our silly online nemesis at American Gambling News picks his jock off the ground and makes an alarmingly sound pick with the Eagles. [AGN]
· Sharpjuice plays the “revenge” factor. Always a nice way to go. He’s picking the Eagles because he’s a genius and will one day have handsome children who grow up to be millionaires. [SharpJuice]
· The NBX boys are picking the Cowboys and the points because they were raised by wolves, have no table manners and drink their own pee. [NBX]

Chopping Lines: Bring Back The Bounty Bowl

READ MORE: Chopping Lines, Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

9 p.m.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)

Best Line: PHI -2.5, DAL +3

Some of the greatest games in Philadelphia Eagles history have been against Dallas. Dating back to the 1980 NFC Championship Game, it’s been one story line after another. Buddy Ryan’s infamous Thanksgiving game where he (allegedly) offered a reward for the person who injured Cowboys’ kicker Luis Zendejas. Barry Switzer’s 4th-and-1 brain fart. The Pickle Juice game which officially kicked off the Andy Reid era. Something always happens when these games mean something. And now, with the Eagles flailing and searching for something to resuscitate their season, it once again has them up against the Cowboys. It’s silly to think that the Eagles are anywhere close to the team they’ve been the last few years. But the thing they do have going for it is history and going up against Dallas to save their season once again. Huge homefield advantage for the Birds tonight. Count the anti-T.O. signs, give away the points and watch the magic happen.

PICK!: PHI -2.5

NFL Betting: If You Don’t Think The Cowboys Suck

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

And, of course, there is always another side. Say you enjoy things like watching your sister shower, eating Doritos with your bare feet, or just shooting fireworks in your shed, well, you’re probably betting on the Cowboys tonight. If you’re Chad Hutchinson, you’re probably doing all three and making a ridiculous face. Covers has the list of things that should make you feel better about this startling lapse of judgment.

5: No T.O. Let’s get this out of the way quick because we’ve all heard just about enough about you know who.

All the bad blood aside, the Eagles are not better off without Owens. He leads them in touchdowns (6), constituted their only true deep threat, and has nearly twice as many yards as their second-leading receiver - running back Brian Westbrook.

Philly posted a season-worst 145 passing yards against the Boys in Week 5 and Owens accounted for more than a third (50 yards) of that. Think the air attack will fair any better without him this week?

For the rest, go jump. Please.

4: Julius Jones back in action

The Cowboys No.1 running back has been out ever since he sprained an ankle in that Week 5 tilt with Philly.

Jones notched 72 yards on 16 carries in that game and with backup Marion Barber racking up 222 yards on 49 carries in Dallas’ past two games, he’ll have a little extra incentive to perform this week.

“I think [Jones] wants to play. I think Barber wants to play. But there`s only one ball, and that`s good,” said coach Bill Parcells.

Until one rusher proves himself better than the other, Parcells says he’ll use those two backs to do most of the rushing. Third stringer Tyson Thompson, who’s looked solid in limited time, will also get a few carries. That means Philly’s No. 19 run defense has three very motivated rushers to worry about.

“We have a good situation here, with three [backs] I can put into the game,” says Parcells. “They can all carry the ball and I`m going to use [them] the best way I can.”

3: Dallas ready for a fired up Philly team

Worried that Dallas might come out a little soft after the 33-10 beatdown it laid on the Birds last month?

Don`t count on it. The Cowboys are well aware of how desperate the Eagles are for a win, and how badly they want to prove they can win without Owens.

“That`s what scares me,” said tight end Dan Campbell. “They`re probably going to pull closer together. They`re going to prove we can do this with who we have on the team right now. I`m looking for them to play the best they`ve played all year. We just got to be ready to go. We`re going into a hornet`s nest.”

“I expect to get a good effort from them. They`ve always given a good effort,” added Parcells. “It`s Monday night. They`re at home. Why wouldn`t you expect that?”

2: Eagles O-line soft in the middle

Lost in the wake of the Owens saga is that the Eagles lost Hank Fraley for the season this week. The starting center had season-ending rotator-cuff surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday, and will be replaced by backup Jamaal Jackson.

Centers don’t get a whole lot of media attention, but they can be vital to team’s success or the direct cause of its failures. One errant snap can easily cost a team the game, and with Jackson making his first ever NFL appearance in a tilt that could make or break the Eagles’ season, nerves could easily become a problem for him.

He also figures to be ill equipped to call the blocking schemes against Dallas` dangerous pass rush, which just so happens to top this list.

1: Dallas’ pass rush

Dallas` blitzes made creamed corn out of Donovan McNabb when these teams last met. The Eagles quarterback was sacked four times and held to a 131 yards on 13-of-26 passing.

Hampered by rib and ankle ailments, McNabb wasn’t able to evade defenders the way he has in past seasons. Those injuries don’t seem to have improved much over the last five weeks and the Cowboys pass rushers are just hitting their stride. They’ve sacked four of the last five quarterbacks they’ve faced at least three times.

With only a greenhorn center standing between him and Dallas’ defenders, McNabb could be in for a long night.

Five Reasons Why Dallas Will Cover [Covers]

NFL Betting: Eagles Will Not Release The East

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

So, you’re thinking that this whole Terrell Owens thing could actually benefit the Eagles tonight against the Cowboys? That those three points they’re giving won’t matter? That Brian Westbrook will bust out for 200 yards and the defense will stand tough? Well, here’s the list for the Iggles backers brought to you by Covers.

5: Problem isn’t the offense The Eagles bread and butter over the last several seasons has been their defense.

Unfortunately they have not been the same this season, highlighted by the 564 yards and 49 points the Denver Broncos put up on them two weeks ago.

“We`ve made too many mistakes, bottom line,” said cornerback Sheldon Brown. “We`ve got to minimize mistakes. Every man has to do his job on a consistent basis.”

But this is a veteran group that is littered with several All-Pros and with Jim Johnson and Andy Reid on the case, Philadelphia should work out their problems.

Rest of the positive thinking, after the jump.

4: The Cowboys aren’t that good

The Eagles did get thumped by the Cowboys last time out - 129 yards total offense and six first downs is a complete embarrassment.

“We tried everything, and they were one step ahead of what we did,” said linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, after the loss.

But come on, that is by far the best these Dallas Cowboys will play this year.

The 129 yards is less than one-third of what the Eagles have been averaging this season and the 456 yards they gave up is 100 yards more than they’ve been giving up.

Dallas isn`t that good. Look at the games they have played. Aside from their 34-13 win over the hapless Arizona Cardinals they haven’t impressed, losing to Washington, Oakland and Seattle, while barely getting by the 49ers and Giants.

3: Eagles still have firepower

Say what you want, but the Eagles still have some offensive weaponry.

Brian Westbrook, for one, may be the best two-option back this side of LaDainian Tomlinson and L.J. Smith should soon be mentioned with Gates and Gonzalez as one of the top tight ends in the league.

Meanwhile their two young receivers (Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis) definitely have the talent to get the job done and are feeling no pressure coming into the game.

“We just have to try now to pull everything together,” said Brown. “I hope I can make some big plays because that`s what they brought me here for.”

Add the veteran Lewis to the mix and you have five decent offensive threats for the Eagles. That means plenty of options to spread the ball around and if anyone can do that it’s McNabb.

2: No T.O. means no distraction

The Philadelphia Eagles locker room was probably more of a family picnic this week – happy, good-natured and cheerful - than the back stabbing, volatile media circus that accompanied Terrell Owens wherever he went this season.

“It was a distraction so I think it brings everybody closer together,” said tight end L.J. Smith of the Owens saga.

The fewer distractions also meant the Eagles had the opportunity to better prepare for tonight’s showdown with the Cowboys.

“I’d say they were very business-like,” said coach Andy Reid describing practice this week. “They came out and practiced hard and aggressive.”

More unity, better preparation - what else do you need to win a football game?

1: Donovan McNabb

The real Donovan McNabb will return.

Whether it`s the assorted injuries healing or the Owens saga quieting down, the Eagles pivot appears to have found the bounce in his step he has been missing for most of the season.

“I`ve been with Donovan for a full week of practice but it seems like I`ve never left,” said recently re-signed tight end Chad Lewis. “He`s having fun and there`s no difference to me. I can tell you this week, I see the exact same person that I`ve always known.”

McNabb was already showing signs of coming around last week against the Redskins. He scampered around the pocket, put together a couple of rushes and aside from the interception by Ryan Clark, he played well. He still threw for 304 yards and one touchdown against a tough Redskins defense.

Why The Eagles Will Cover [Covers]

Paddy Power: Handicapping MNF Like The Drunks They Are

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Paddy Power, Philadelphia Eagles

We can knock Irish bookmakers Paddy Power about a lot of things—their propensity for prop bets about seemingly anything on the planet, being the first—and here’s another one. When trolling their prop bets for tonight’s NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys we noticed some interesting names listed on their clumsy “First Touchdown Scorer” line:

That highlighted name is supposed to be journeyman wide receiver Darnerian McCants, who is currently listed as the fifth wide receiver on the Eagle’s depth chart. We’re assuming that the Irish guys just figure that without Terrell Owens, any old wide receiver has 14/1 odds at scoring first in tonight’s game. Even ones who won’t even play. We’re also happy to see that fullback Jon Ritchie has 18/1 odds of scoring, given that, well, he’s been cut from the team. And Reno Mahe’s chances of recovering a fumble on punt return duties are apparently as strong as third-down back Lamar Gordon at 33/1. Imagining a few reckless Irish punters screaming at the television tonight to “Throw the ball to Ritchie!” just makes our day so much more fun.

First Touchdown Scorer [PaddyPower]

NFL Betting: Does No Owens Equal No Problems or No Points?

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, Philadelphia Eagles

There’s a pall hanging over Philadelphia this evening—except actually in Philadelphia. What people don’t understand is that this is a home game, against the Cowboys, after one of the most miserable weeks in Philadelphia Eagles’ history. Yes, they’ll mist Terrell Owens in the offense. Yes, Donovan’s playing injured and self-conscious. But do remember that this is the Cowboys and even though the Eagles are oddly favored by three points, they are in no way the favorites to win this game. In the media, at least.
· “Owens’ absence won’t help the Eagles in this one, because it hasn’t been his distraction that has kept them from running the ball well, and Bledsoe is having a heck of a year.” [FreeP]

· “With Owens in the lineup, the Eagles (4-4) lost three games and were having trouble on offense. Without Owens, it’ll be even more difficult to score points.” [Chicago Sun Times]

· Peter King: “I wish I could give him a happy ending but I can’t. I can give you an old Parcellsism, though: In the NFL, the desperate team usually wins. Eagles, 17-16.” (Wait. We just realized that quote looks highly suspicious….) [SI.com]

· “The Cowboys had a 27-3 lead at halftime in Game 5 and won, 33-10. Terrell Owens caught five passes. The Eagles don’t have Owens, and nobody on their roster can make up 23 points. Pick: Cowboys” [DetNews]

Chopping Lines: Oh, Those Plucky Cowboys

READ MORE: Chopping Lines, Dallas Cowboys, NFL Betting, Washington Redskins

9 p.m.

Washington Redskins (1-0)

at

Dallas Cowboys (1-0)

Best Line: WAS +6.5, DAL -5.5

Another set of shitty games to bet on: Rivalry games. These are betting nightmares whereven the mightiest of the mightiest can be toppled by a conference rival that gets up solely for this type of game. Well, this is a rivalry, but for what? Mediocrity? Exactly. Dallas did look impressive against San Diego last week, that’s until we saw San Diego fall to Denver on Sunday and now we’re all back to scratching our heads and wondering just what the Jesus and Jason Witten is going on here? Welcome to Week 2 in the NFL! Whee! The Redskins have started their quarterback controversy early this year, benching Patrick Ramsey early on for puggish Mark Brunell and his bygone glory with the Jacksonville Jaguars. One thing we can say about the Cowboys is this: their D is tough. We’re having a great time surfing on DeMarcus Ware’s back and that Roy Williams can go all Atwater at any time. The Skins? Well, Joe Gibbs may not have completely purged the NASCAR or holy-roller powder out of his system yet, but he’ll get there. Not tonight though.

PICK!: DAL -5.5 (We’re picking the Cowboys and we’re Eagles fans, therefore we should have our eyes poked out with plastic forks. We hope the Nest of Death forgives us. It’s our job. Sadly.)

Chopping Lines: Jag the Dog

READ MORE: A.J. Benza, Chopping Lines, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL Pre-Season Betting

8 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)

at

Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

Best Line: JAC +5, DALLAS -3.5.

The encouraging news is that the Jacksonville Jaguars have defeated the Indianapolis Colts in two of their last three meetings, including a 2004 victory at the RCA Dome. The real shitty news is that the Jaguars also dropped two games to the hapless Texans in that same span. So the question looms: Are these guys Jaguars or Jag-offs? I say they’re Jaguars, dammit. And the Dallas Cowboys are about to learn that the hard way.

Coach Jack Del Rio cited inconsistency as the young team’s biggest headache, and his team has good things to help eliminate that as we enter the regular season and they know they have to play hard every week - even when the opposition doesn’t have a horse-shoe on its helmets. The most important change has been seeing Byron Leftwich emerge as a star as the Jags have been emphasizing more vertical passing. After four games the Jags sit atop the AFC South standings and have allowed the fewest points with 54. There is simply no way the Dallas Cowboys’ feeble offense - led by the frightened feet of Drew Bledsoe - will be able to muster enough points to beat the Jags. As far as I’m concerned, all the Jags’ offensive line need do is keep the Cowboys’ lone star in DE DeMarcus Wade off Leftwich’s ass. If they can do that, Lord Byron oughta be able to pick apart the secondary for more than enough points. TAKE the 5 points and watch that mean bastard Bill Parcells blow a gasket.

BENZAPICK!: JAGS + 5
(YTD 7-3)

Chopping Lines: Both Teams Stink—Take the Over

READ MORE: A.J. Benza, Chopping Lines, Dallas Cowboys, NFL Betting, Seattle Seahawks

8 p.m.

Dallas Cowboys(0-1-0)

at

Seattle Seahawks(0-1-0)

Best Line: Over/Under 37.5

I’m typing slow today on account of dislocating my shoulder. It was completely my fault. Late Friday night, I found myself awkwardly patting myself on the back after winning both the Jets and Bengals games going away. I told Jets fans that they’d find religion when Jay Fiedler replaced Chad Pennington. And I promised the Bengals would beat the Redskins OUTRIGHT as dogs. Anyhow, I got a little silly after the win.
The insanity continues tonight with me PASSING on picking a winner between the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks but instead setting my sights on playing the TOTAL. Why? Because I spit hot fire right now, so play along.

Here’s what we know: The Cowboys’ offensive line lets in more trouble than the borders of Texas and California combined. Drew Bledsoe is more sackable than the rookie peelers at Scores West. I look for him to try and unload the ball deep quicker than usual with Seattle’s pass rush hot on his ass. On the flipside, the Cowboys’ back 7 were a big reason why Bill Parcells’ team finished 27th in PA, not to mention 24th in completion percentage and 24th in interceptions, no doubt the kind of stats that will produce Cialis-like symptons in Seahawks free-slinger Matt Hasselbeck.

But the bad doesn’t stop there. The Seahawks finished 26th in defense last year and the losses of CB Ken Lucas and DE Chike Okeafor to free agency make matters even more dismal. And finally, since the Seahawks were “over” 11-3 in its last 14 games last season, all these musings add up to these teams combining for more than 39 points. Say it with me: “I’m an OVER whore. I’m an OVER whore.”

BENZAPICK!: OVER
(YTD: 3-1)

NFL Betting: Cowboys to Win the NFC East?

READ MORE: Covers, Dallas Cowboys, NFL Futures Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

Right now, Stephen Nover of Covers is being bludgeoned by hoagies from angry Philadelphia Eagles fans. In his 10th NFL preview, Nover says that he’s pretty high on the Dallas Cowboys getting 6-1 odds to win the NFC East this year. His excuse? The Cowboys have a better defense, coach Bill Parcells is coming into his third season and starting to mold his team, and the Eagles are distracted and contentious thanks to wide receiver Terrell Owens’ public fury over his contract. We think the better Cowboys odds are the 10-1 chance that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ facelift snaps up like a nightshade before Thanksgiving Day this year.

Dallas Cowboy Season Preview [Covers]