NFL Sports Book – Take the Eagles

The NFL Sportsbook is now open for business, and there might not be a bigger game this weekend than when the Eagles and Cowboys get together in Philadelphia. Who’ll be your betting pick?

Dallas Cowboys (5-10 SU, 6-9 ATS) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-5 SU, 7-8 ATS)

Sunday, January 2: 4:15 p.m. Fox, Live from Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

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Heading into this one, no one is quite sure exactly what to expect, as the Eagles have already clinched the NFC East, but cannot clinch a first round bye even with a win here. And entering this one, no one is quite sure if Philadelphia will play their starters, especially on a short week after losing Tuesday night.

If the Eagles do play their starters, they’ll simply need a better performance from Michael Vick than they got Tuesday. Philadelphia’s signal-caller never seemed in rhythm all night, and it was clear that having an extra two days off did not help. In a 24-14 loss, Vick completed just 25 of 43 passes for a touchdown and an interception. Running back LeSean McCoy had one of his worst outings in recent memory as well, rushing for just 44 yards on 13 carries.

As for the team that the Eagles will be matched up with in the NFL Sports betting book, the Dallas Cowboys are playing for little more than pride at this point. Despite having been long since eliminated from playoff contention, Dallas has battled hard, winning four of six down the stretch.

However, just like Philadelphia, Dallas enters this one with questions of their own, highlighted at the quarterback position. Starter Tony Romo has been missing in action for months, and was placed on injured reserve before last weekend’s game, officially ending his season. Meanwhile the regular starter- Jon Kitna- got hurt in last Saturday’s loss to Arizona. Which leaves third stringer Stephen McGee as the likely starter here. McGee’s first action of the 2010 NFL season didn’t come until Saturday against the Cardinals, and he proved adequate, completing 11 of 17 passes with a touchdown.

But in the end, with uncertainty surrounding Kitna we’ve got to play it safe and take Philadelphia with our football betting Sports Book pick.
With the Eagles set to face either the Packers, Saints, or someone else on Wild Card weekend next Saturday or Sunday, we expect coach Andy Reid to play his starters, especially in light of their disappointing performance last Tuesday against Minnesota. Put simply, they can’t afford to enter the playoffs on such a low note.

Also, don’t forget that these are the same two teams that played just a few weeks ago on Sunday night. If Dallas couldn’t beat Philly with Kitna at full strength, what chance do they have with McGee under center?

We’re not sure. But what we are sure of is that the Eagles will give a better showing than they did Tuesday against Minnesota.

It’s clear that when it comes to the NFL Sports Book, Philadelphia is the pick to make.

NFL Sports Book Pick: Philadelphia

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