Cowboys 4 Point Favorites At Home Over Atlanta

NFL News - October 20th, 2009 - Written by Scott

An important NFC game is set to take place on Sunday as the Atlanta Falcons travel to play at Dallas. The Dallas Cowboys (3-2) are in second place in the NFC East and are one game behind the New York Giants. Dallas is coming off their bye week after a 26-20 win over Kansas City two weeks ago. The Atlanta Falcons also sit in second place in the NFC South behind the New Orleans Saints and are just one game behind. They beat Chicago in Week 6, 21-14. These two teams last met in 2006 and Atlanta won this matchup 38-28.

The Atlanta offense has not been that explosive this season, but is averaging 24 points per game which ranks 10th in the league. They are led by quarterback Matt Ryan who has thrown for 1,162 yards and 9 touchdowns this year. The Falcons rushing attack has not been up to their normal standards so far this season and they are only averaging 98 yards on the ground. Michael Turner leads their group of backs with 353 yards and 6 touchdowns. Nine of the Falcons sixteen touchdowns this year have come through the air. Roddy White is their leader at wide receiver and has 385 yards and 4 touchdowns so far this season.

The Falcons' defense took another hit this past Sunday as they lost a playmaker at cornerback, Brian Williams, for the remainder of the year. The defense for Atlanta has played solid all season. They are only giving up 15 points per game. Atlanta has done a good job of forcing turnovers this year and have intercepted 5 passes and forced 10 fumbles in 5 games.

The Cowboys have produced well on offense this year and are averaging 420 total yards per game. Their rushing attack ranks 3rd in the league and is led by their running back trio of Marion Barber, Tashard Choice, and Felix Jones. Jones has been sidelined do to an injury, but the three backs have combined for 734 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. Their passing game has been inconsistent at times. They are led by quarterback Tony Romo who has 1,341 yards and 6 touchdowns on the year. Miles Austin is their leader at wide receiver with 331 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tight end Jason Whitten is the team leader with 28 receptions and has 259 yards and 1 touchdown.

Dallas' defense has experienced trouble stopping the pass this season and is ranked 26th in the league giving up 251 yards through the air per game. They have also not done well with forcing turnovers and have only 5 on the year.

The Cowboys will be favored by 4 at home against Atlanta according to Betus sportsbook. The over/under is set at 47. Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games, but Dallas is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home. For more information on the odds and more on this weeks games check out our Week 7 Game Previews pages.

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