Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings, Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN
Sunday, October 17, 2010, 4:15 pm EST, TV: FOX
Opening Line: Vikings -1
Current Line: Vikings -1.5
Opening Total: 44
Current Total: 44.5
Money Line: Vikings -125 / Cowboys +105
The loser of Sunday’s NFC clash between the Dallas Cowboys (1-3) and Minnesota Vikings (1-3) obviously does not have a great chance of making the playoffs since only five teams in the history of the NFL have ever accomplished that feat following a 1-4 start. But the winner of this game between the Vikings (-1.5 on the current NFL point spreads) and Cowboys will no doubt be right back in the hunt for a division title due to the mediocrity of the conference this season.
It is very debatable as to which team is in worse shape at this point, although that is why they play the games. Minnesota’s offense outside of running back Adrian Peterson has played maybe two good quarters so far this season, with most of the blame being placed on suddenly aging quarterback Brett Favre – and rightfully so. Favre showed some flashes in a 29-20 road loss to the Jets on Monday night but ultimately made another big mistake late when he threw his seventh interception to Dwight Lowery, who returned it 26 yards for the game’s final touchdown.
Favre is dealing with elbow tendonitis in his throwing arm that has him questionable to face Dallas, but you can bet he will not let his NFL record consecutive starts streak end without a fight. He was definitely off on several of his throws against New York and could get the hook if the Cowboys rough him up early on.
Dallas was not able to pressure Favre too much in last year’s 34-3 playoff loss at the Metrodome in January but still sacked him three times for 20 yards. Favre burned the Cowboys secondary for four touchdown passes in that game, and that weakness continues to be a concern. They are giving up an average of 202.5 yards per game through the air and will need to be focused on roughing up Favre if they have any hopes of leaving with a win this time around.
There is still some bad blood resulting from the last time these teams played after Dallas linebacker Keith Brooking accused the Vikings of running up the score in their playoff win. Minnesota wide receiver Randy Moss also remains bitter toward the Cowboys after they passed on him when he was drafted in 1998. Moss has never lost to them in six career meetings, saving some of his best performances for them by scoring 10 touchdowns among his 30 catches.
The Vikings have won six of the last seven meetings with Dallas, including the playoffs and not including preseason games. The Cowboys will be looking for their fourth straight road win as an underdog during the regular season after beating Houston in Week 3 with a similar line.
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