Round 2 Sunday Play

I thought a bit about this one, but after some deliberation I've decided it's a solid play:

• Cowboys +2.5

Dallas has been a very underrated team all season, as they're one of just two teams to be top 8 in both yards/pass attempt and yards/rush attempt (Saints are the other team). On offense, I like how their pass offense matches up with the Vikings' passing defense. Although the Vikings have had a solid pass rush so far this year, they still find themselves ranked 19th in yards per pass attempt allowed. Not only that, but the defense has played the easiest passing schedule in the NFL, which speaks volumes given the fact that they're still a below average unit against the pass. Facing the run, it is no secret that Dallas has one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the NFL. Although the Minnesota defense could do a decent job of limiting the damage Dallas does on the ground, the Cowboys should be able to muster enough offense on the ground to keep Minnesota honest and from focusing in on their issues in the secondary.

On defense, the Cowboys have shown quite a bit lately as they've shut down top notch units such as the Eagles and Saints. Minnesota has lost their identity as a running team as Peterson has struggled since early in the season, and the Vikings find themselves ranked 23rd in yards/rush attempt. Dallas has the 8th best rushing defense in the NFL, and should be able to keep AP and Taylor bottled up for most of the game. If Minnesota is to win this game, they'll have to do it through the air. Favre and the Vikings enter the game 9th in the NFL in yards/pass attempt. This is not as spectacular as it appears however, as the Vikings have played the 9th easiest passing schedule in the NFL. The Dallas front 4 has been getting tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and we all know that Favre is a quarterback who can be pressured into mistakes. Having played the 7th toughest schedule against the pass in the NFL, Dallas is still an above average passing defense, and generates the 7th most sacks per game in the NFL. I expect them to have Favre frequently under pressure, and for some turnovers to put Dallas in command in this one. These are two teams headed in opposite directions, and when all is said and done we should see Dallas coming away with an outright win.