It seems week after week since Tony Romo went down that the Cowboys are putting in a lot of effort in games, but coming out on the losing end.
I totally understand the situation because it’s one that is playing out much closer to home: It’s the same pattern we’re seeing from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Yes, it appears that the Cowboys are tanking.
And really, why wouldn’t they?
It has been a long time since Dallas has earned a decent draft pick, seemingly forever entrenched at 8-8, garnering mid-first rounders and few playoff spots.
It’s that mushy middle that never does a team any good. Too good to get better, not good enough to really do anything in playoffs.
Of course, when Romo returns there’s a very good chance that Dallas will go on a little run. But at this point, after losing six in a row, there’s little hope of winning the division or picking up a wild card.
It’s time for Jerry Jones to realize that it’s much more in his team’s best interest to throw away this season and plan for next instead of making a foolhardy run for a playoff spot that’s out of reach.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
Buffalo +2.5 over NEW YORK JETS
Rex Ryan got a little revenge on his former team, but when will we get revenge on the NFL for making us look at those hideous Color Rush uniforms?
Detroit +13 over GREEN BAY
The Packers haven’t been great at covering double-digit lines. They should win easily, but a backdoor cover seems likely.
TAMPA BAY -1 over Dallas
I can’t bet on Dallas at least until Tony Romo is back.
Carolina -5.5 over TENNESSEE
The Titans got their one-game boost from firing their coach, but can’t stand up to the undefeated Panthers.
ST. LOUIS -7.5 over Chicago
This looks like a trap game for the Rams, but I don’t think the Bears are good enough to cover against that top-flight defence.
WASHINGTON (pk) over New Orleans
I have doubts on both sides in this one, so might as well take the home team.
Miami +7 over PHILADELPHIA
Should the Eagles really be favoured by a touchdown over any one? The Dolphins have had two rough games, but could bounce back here.
PITTSBURGH -5 over Cleveland
As long as it isn’t Mike Vick under centre, I like the Steelers in this one-sided rivalry game.
Jacksonville +5.5 over BALTIMORE
The Ravens shouldn’t be giving this many points to a Jaguars team that can really move the ball.
Minnesota +3 over OAKLAND
I don’t believe in the Vikings very much, but I do more than the Raiders giving points. This should be a great game, too.
Kansas City +5.5 over DENVER
The Chiefs are a decent team and the Broncos defence took a hit with Aqib Talib suspended and DeMarcus Ware injured.
NEW YORK GIANTS +8.5 over New England
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that the Giants will always put up a good fight against the Patriots.
SEATTLE -3 over Arizona
A solid rivalry game that should be close. But the Cards are better at destroying marginal teams than beating contenders.
CINCINNATI -12 over Houston
The Texans are just plain bad and the Bengals are the second best team in the NFL and have a nice home-field advantage. They can surely run it up on Monday night.
Last week: 9-4
This season: 75-50-7