NFL Picks – One Streak Ends Thursday – New Orleans at Dallas

A few short weeks ago, any NFL Betting Picks on a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys would have been simple.

But the Cowboys look reborn under new coach Jason Garrett and have won two straight games in convincing fashion.

The defending Super Bowl Champions are also hot, winning three straight.

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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-3) vs. DALLAS COWBOYS (3-7)

Thursday, November 25, 4:15 PM ET

Cowboys Stadium, Irving, Texas

Broadcast: FOX

NFL Lines:

New Orleans: -3 ½ (-110)

Dallas: +3 ½ (-110)

Moneyline: OFF

Total: 50 ½ points

Many NFL Picks had the New Orleans Saints returning to Super Bowl this season but after sputtering out of the gate, the Saints are finally rounding into form, winning four of their last five games. The offense was slow to get going but has ignited and has scored 34 points in each of their last two games.

Drew Brees has the passing game firing on all cylinders again. He threw for 384 yards and four touchdowns in Week 11 and now has the passing game 4th ranked with an average of 286.6 yards per game. Marques Colston, who had only one touchdown before Sunday stretched his season total to three with a strong effort.

The running game, which has been void of any big playmakers, has weathered the storm, gaining an average of 96 yards per game this season. Word is that Reggie Bush will return this week – a huge shot in the arm to a team that had been depending on Chris Ivory, Julius Jones and Laddell Betts.

Not many NFL Picks had the Saints with a Top 5 overall defense but they have impressed, ranking 2nd against the pass and 13th versus the run. The pass defense will be tested against the high powered passing attack of the Reborn Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys have certainly looked like a different team under Jason Garrett. Winners of two straight, the offense and defense have looked much better than the team that lost five straight earlier this season. Their playoff hopes are not dead yet, so expect a motivated, energised Dallas team their favourite day of the year.

Jon Kitna didn’t do a whole last week and that’s the way that the Cowboys want it. He passed for 147 yards and three touchdowns, was efficient and effective when he needed to be. With Austin, Dez Bryant, Jason Whitten and Roy Williams in the fold, there is no reason to think the passing roll won’t continue.

The Dallas running game was an NFL Picks disappointment of the season but showed signs of life last week. They are still 29th ranked but at least there is finally reason for optimism.

The Dallas defense has been the biggest reason for the turnaround in Big D. They are certainly playing better as demonstrated by the fact that they have held their last two opponents under 20 points. This after giving up over 30 points in four of the previous five games. Dallas is still 21st versus the pass and 22nd versus the run. Dallas is also one of five teams that have given up more than 27 points per game.

NFL Picks Outlook:

New Orleans is 4-1 SU in their last five games. They are 12-2 SU in their last 14 on the road but are just 6-12 ATS in their last 18 games away from the Superdome. The Saints are 5-1 SU in their last six games against the Cowboys but are 2-5 SU in their last seven trips to Dallas.

Dallas is 3-8 SU and ATS in their last 11 games and 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five at home. The Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven versus New Orleans but are 5-2 SU at home against the Saints.

Dallas is simply clicking under Jason Garrett and should be ready to play at home on a short week. They have dominated their last four Thanksgiving games and seem to save their best for the Thursday appearances. Dallas has improved but not quite to the point that they can defeat an elite Saints squad just yet. In a close and high scoring game, take the Saints.

NFL Picks: New Orleans Saints -3 ½ and the OVER 50 ½ points