Dallas Cowboys (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. Denver Broncos (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS)
Week 2 NFL
Date/Time: Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 4:25PM EST
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High
TV: Fox
By Loot, NFL Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Point Spread: DAL -2/DEN +2
Over/Under Total: 43
The Dallas Cowboys come to Mile High on Sunday for a matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Cowboys got off to a good start on Sunday Night Football in week one with a dominant win over the New York Giants, 19-3. After getting swept by the Giants last season, the Cowboys were able to start the season by vanquishing those demons. The Broncos, meanwhile, were able escape a furious late rally by the Chargers in their season opener on MNF, escaping with a 24-21 win at home. They look to win their second home game in a row at home to start the season.
All told, it wasn't a rousing performance by the Cowboys' offense in week one. They got into the end zone just once and other than a fruitful second quarter, the scoring was minimal. That was against a Giants defense that is really tip-top. More impressive was the Dallas defense and how they had the New York offense in knots throughout the whole game, silencing their run-game and keeping their best receivers quiet, as well.
Dallas is bolstered offensively by the prospects of Ezekiel Elliott being able to play the whole season. Any number of different legal scenarios can play out, but what we do know is that for the time being, he will be out on the field. He ran 104 yards in a workmanlike performance on Sunday. Dak Prescott was also good, going 24-for-39 aerially with 268 yards and a TD strike to still-useful TE Jason Witten. And against the tough Giants defense, their three top receivers, Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, and Terrance Williams were kept somewhat subdued, but good enough to help get the win.
The Giants' offense looked fairly dysfunctional in week one, but kudos to the Dallas defense for helping that materialize. What is most-impressive about this side of the ball is how they've improved despite conditions that would lead most defenses to depreciate. For the past few seasons, key members of this defense have been either hurt or suspended. There's a good 6-7 guys sidelined who would be key parts to this unit. And they still seem to be getting better. Sean Lee is the star of this "D" and was big again against the Giants. Jaylon Smith was good in the middle, as well, with DeMarcus Lawrence notching two big sacks. And the secondary was excellent, with new corner Nolan Carroll showing he can add to this group.
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Denver looked to have the game in hand on Monday Night Football as they held a 24-7 lead in the 4th quarter. A few Denver turnovers led to Chargers' touchdowns and before long they were holding on. The only TD the Chargers had scored up until that point was aided by a 40-yard interference call. The Chargers woke up late and had a 44-yard FG to tie it. Denver coach Vance Joseph called a time-out to ice the kicker and Denver got a block in a dramatic finish.
All in all, it was a successful 2017 season debut for the Broncos. Trevor Siemian was pretty good with 219 yards and two TD strikes, though a late pick was costly. He also ran in a touchdown. They ran the ball capably with CJ Anderson picking up 81 yards, while first-year Bronco Jamaal Charles showed he can be useful, at least until a costly fumble helped the Chargers' late comeback attempt. The receiving corps for the Broncos was somewhat subdued, but they got the job done. Demaryius Thomas caught five balls and Dexter Fowler caught two touchdown passes.
For much of the game, the Denver defense had control of things. In the middle, Brandon Marshall was active, with Von Miller getting after it. Adam Gotsis and Domato Peko helped keep the Chargers run game to less than 3 yards per carry. They got the better of the Chargers' offensive line and at the end; the Denver superiority up-front is what won them the game. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris were solid at corner—so much that Rivers exclusively picked on Denver safeties Justin Simmons and Darrian Stewart. Corner Bradley Roby had a pick to atone for his long PI penalty. Either way, it still looks like the Denver defense is a handful.
Not to belabor the point, but teams like Dallas can really fall prey to some of the conditions that are present at Mile High. There are a lot of guys on that Dallas roster who have never played in that altitude. I see Dallas' defense having some success against this offense, but the Denver defense will make life hard on the Cowboys' offense, as well. I see this one going under 43 points.
Loot's Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting the Dallas vs. Denver goes under 43 points. Did you know... that you could be wagering on the Dallas vs. Denver game at discounted odds? There's a better than good chance that you're laying -110 odds (or more) with your book. Stop overpaying TODAY by making the switch to 5Dimes Sportsbook! You will be so glad that you did!
