The Atlanta Falcons held off the Dallas Cowboys, 19-13, to remain unbeaten through nine weeks of the NFL season. More importantly for betting considerations, a late Matt Bryant field goal was key to helping them get the late cover in the closing seconds of the game. In case you were not aware of the spread, Al Michaels was there with his always subtle line: "That kick just made some people very happy, and other people very angry." Wise words, Al.
Cowboys vs. Falcons point spread: Matt Bryant puts Atlanta over the top
We break down the Falcons late cover against the Cowboys on a field goal in the closing seconds of their Week 9 matchup.
Atlanta entered the game as 4-point favorites, which would seem to indicate oddsmakers really do not respect the undefeated Falcons. The Cowboys have plenty of upside, but they have struggled with consistency all season long, and yet seeing a 4-point spread was a bit of a surprise.
Of course, that is exactly when the oddsmakers prove how much they know. The Cowboys turned this into a tough defensive battle, keeping the Falcons within shouting distance all night. The Falcons took a 16-6 lead in the fourth quarter, but a quick Cowboys strike narrowed the lead to just 3 points with 5:31 to go. Atlanta took control at that point with a 5-minute drive, ending with the Bryant field goal. Dallas had a chance to get a late lateral going, but Felix Jones could not find somebody to throw to, and the game came to a close with the Falcons covering the spread.
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