NFL odds and lines, Cowboys vs. Redskins 2013: Dallas favored on the road

The Cowboys need a win to ensure they stay alive in the playoff chase and oddsmakers expect just that.

by Mark Sandritter

Dec 19, 2013, 4:10 PM UTC

Tom Pennington

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Cowboys vs. Redskins 2013, Week 16: Dallas comeback adds to Washington woe

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With coaching controversies, quarterback issues and lackluster defensive play, the Redskins and Cowboys have a lot in common. The difference is while Washington will be playing for pride on Sunday, the Cowboys are still fighting for a playoff spot.

A Cowboys win would ensure they stay alive heading into the Week 17 matchup against Philadelphia. Even going on the road, the Cowboys are favored, opening as 3.5-point betting favorites, according to OddsShark.com. Dallas has fared well against the spread this season, going 8-6. Washington is 4-10 ATS. Dallas is 5-1 straight up this season when favored by at least three points. The only loss came last week when the Cowboys blew a 23-point lead against Green Bay.

Dallas and Washington both rank near the bottom of the NFL in scoring defense, and oddsmakers are expecting a shootout. The total opened at 53.5 points, which is actually substantially lower than the 58.5 points the teams combine to allow per game. The two offenses combine to average 49.9 points per game.

Even with the high total, the over may be the best bet. The total has gone over in Dallas’ last five games and six of Washington’s last nine games. That trend, however, hasn’t held true in recent head-to-head matchups, with the under hitting in five of the last six games between the two teams played in Washington. Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games against the Cowboys.