For a third time this year, the sports gambling community is going to see the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys square off. The fans in Philadelphia will be hoping for a different result as the Cowboys have taken the first two matchups.
Since 1970, there have been 19 instances where two teams play each other three times in a season and there have been 12 sweeps. The Cowboys have the Eagles numbers and that is likely to be evident on Saturday.
Storylines: The Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles led the NFL in passing plays of 40 yards or longer, totaling 21 this season. In their two games against the Cowboys this year, the Eagles have just one such play and that was a pass to running back LeSean McCoy.
Like it or not, the Cowboys have contained DeSean Jackson better than anyone else in the NFL and it shows. In two games against the Cowboys, Jackson has just five catches for 76 yards and no touchdowns. Internet betting cappers know that the Eagles don't run the ball very well so if they aren't getting these explosive plays, they aren't likely to be effective on offense.
Storylines: The Cowboys
One thing that simply can't go unnoticed is that the Cowboys have the edge on both lines of scrimmage in this contest.
In two games this year, the Cowboys have sacked Donovan McNabb eight times while Tony Romo has been dropped just five times. The Eagles have produced just 3.8 yards per carry in the two contests.
If Romo is going to have time to throw, he's going to make smart decisions. It also looks like the Cowboys can run with plenty of success, which has taken a lot of pressure off of Romo.
The Eagles linebackers are a big weakness and the running backs and tight ends on Dallas continue to expose them. Unless the Eagles come up with a new game plan, sports handicapping sharps should expect more of the same.
Matchup
The Eagles lost center Jamaal Jackson for the year and it's just another loss in a long list of reshuffling on their front five. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have one of the best defensive lines around. That's a problem.
The Eagles will again attempt to win on the road without a running game and that's also a problem.
The Eagles have been worked over in the time of possession in both games and that won't change in the Wild Card round. The Eagles will have to hope that their big plays work so that they can keep up on the scoreboard. If not, the Cowboys will grind them into the ground for a third time this season and get the important playoff win they have been searching for.
Bookmaker Reviews Pick: Cowboys -4
