What were the odds?
In just his second game back from a broken left collarbone, Tony Romo broke his left collarbone.
That should essentially seal all hopes of the Cowboys contending for a playoff spot this season, although we’re sure that Thursday’s loss also spelled the same fate.
With Romo out, it’s back to Matt Cassel – who did lead Dallas to a garbage-time TD – and this should signify the start of a run towards the top pick.
There is still a lot of talent on this team, but there’s no use in winning when it only hurts you in the future. This is a team that needs some young talent in the skill positions and some more cornerstones to build around. Most teams with veteran starting QBs have a youngster behind them to develop, the Cowboys don’t, as Cassel will start for the remainder of the season.
Darren McFadden, an injury-prone veteran, is the starting running back – hardly ideal for the future.
There are spots on this roster that need to be upgraded and the best way to do it will be through the draft.
So, Jerry, it’s time to swallow your pride and take a couple of L’s.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
HOUSTON -3 over New Orleans
The Saints defence will probably look better after a week off and Rob Ryan gone, but Houston’s defence has been incredible lately.
Minnesota +1.5 over ATLANTA
The Falcons have seriously fallen off since their hot 5-0 start. Likely without Devonta Freeman, we can’t expect them to hold off a contender.
CINCINNATI -8.5 over St. Louis
This does seem like a lot of points to be spotting, but the Rams have trouble against good defences and only seem to be money against division rivals.
INDIANAPOLIS -3 over Tampa Bay
The Bucs have reeled off a couple of wins, but you know who else has? Matt Hasselbeck.
New York Giants -2.5 over WASHINGTON
Coming off a bye, the Giants are worth laying the points on the road. They can put up points and Washington just lost a starting CB in practice.
TENNESSEE +1.5 over Oakland
The Raiders look to have been figured out and usually falter when playing early games on the east coast.
Buffalo +6.5 over KANSAS CITY
The Bills and Chiefs are both tough teams that should stand tall on defence. In what should be a low-scoring game, I don’t see either side winning by six.
Miami +3.5 over NEW YORK JETS
The Dolphins may be trending down, but the Jets are as well.
San Diego +4 over JACKSONVILLE
Everything screams to take the Jags here, with San Diego sucking during early games, being really banged-up and winless on the road, but this just feels like a gut call.
Arizona -10.5 over SAN FRANCISCO
The Cards embarrassed the 49ers earlier this season and it’s not like Blaine Gabbert is going to improve on that result.
Pittsburgh +3.5 over SEATTLE
I’m really starting to think that the Seahawks aren’t going to make the run that we all expect them too. Luckily, they’ll still be good enough to earn a wild card.
New England -3 over DENVER
If Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are going to lose to Brock Osweiler on a Sunday night, I’ll be damned.
CLEVELAND -3 over Baltimore
Josh McCown > Matt Schaub. What a woofer on Monday night.
Last week: 7-7
This season: 93-59-7