The 4-7-1 Indianapolis Colts travel to Arlington, Texas, Sunday night, opposing the 8-3 Dallas Cowboys. The two teams are having very different seasons, explaining why the ‘Boys are favored by 11½ points (total at 44½), according to BetUS sportsbook NFL odds.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds by BetUs
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colts | +11 (-110) | 43½ (-110) | +445 |  |
| Cowboys | -11 (-110) | 43½ (-110) | -595 | |
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Colts Lost Last Couple
The Indianapolis Colts have not fared nearly as well as the Dallas Cowboys this season. Indianapolis is coming off of a 24-17 Monday night home loss to the substandard Pittsburgh Steelers, the team’s second consecutive losing effort. Offensive struggles have constantly hampered the Horseshoes this season, offsetting a defense that’s generally been good. Indy couldn’t hold a Steelers offense that’s been below average, however, and will have a much tougher Sunday evening.
Indianapolis has switched quarterbacks, and back again, as in Matt Ryan to Sam Ellingher, then returning to Ryan. It’s not been a position of strength at any point during the season. With injuries to running back Jonathan Taylor, typically an elite running back, Indianapolis hasn’t been able to sustain a ground game.
Players aren’t the only ones under scrutiny, as new coach Jeff Saturday was taken to task about his (non)-use of late-game timeouts this past Monday. Saturday even admitted his error in that regard. Whether the former Colt has the coaching gig past this season remains to be seen. As it stands now, Indianapolis is staring at a top-10 choice in the draft. However, a win against the Cowboys would buy both players and coaches a fair amount of credibility.
Cowboys After Third Straight
The Dallas Cowboys have been very good this season, an aforementioned 8-3 on the season, 5-1 at home. Dallas has won its last couple, including a 28-20 Thanksgiving home victory over the New York Giants. Adding that 0-3 drubbing of the Vikings in Minnesota, Dallas has a 68-23 aggregate point advantage in the past couple, while cementing itself as a serious title contender.
Dallas is currently 9-1, or +900, to win the championship, as per Super Bowl odds.
The Cowboys have been on a tear, 4-1 since quarterback Dak Prescott returned after an injured thumb. The loss was an overtime decision to the Green Bay Packers. Dallas needs to win these games outside of its division, since it’s possible all four NFC East teams make the playoffs.
The Cowboys have one of the best, balanced offenses in the league. Prescott doesn’t need to put the team on his back, but is certainly capable of winning games through the air. However, both rushers Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have proven extremely potent in the offense. Elliot has toted the rock more than Pollard, who’s a bigger threat catching passes out of the backfield. Do not gloss over the defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Micah Parsons.
Cowboys Break Colts
While anything can happen in the NFL, it’s unlikely the Colts leave Arlington with a win. The Indy defense might be able to somewhat limit Dallas, but the ‘Boys have one of the best defenses in the league.
…and the Colts’ offense has not worked. Period. This seems too easy. Expect the homestanding Cowboys to win, and cover the spread
Regarding the total, the end result should be near the number. That might require the Colts to contribute something to the scoreboard (14-17 points), and with Dallas figuring to double that number, take the over.
