While Jay Cutler’s thumb injury might boost the Dallas Cowboys’ chances of defeating the Chicago Bears, Dallas brings a negative against-the-spread trend into the Sunday Night Football betting matchup.
The Cowboys are listed as seven-point favorites with a total of 44.5 at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The Cowboys are 9-1 straight-up but 1-9 against the spread in their last 10 home games where they were favored by 6.5 or more points, according to the OddsShark NFL Database. The visiting team is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games in this matchup.
The Bears are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games. Cutler (sprained thumb) is not practicing, and if he’s down, the Bears will turn to backup QB Brian Hoyer.
Chicago’s offense is ranked 31st of 32 NFL teams after two weeks. Chicago’s primary WR Alshon Jeffery (knee) could be affected by injury, but WR Kevin White is an emerging talent. Running back Jeremy Langford and his blockers might be able to have some positive results against a Dallas defense which is allowing 4.8 yards per attempt.
Dallas, which is coming off a Week 2 victory against the Washington Redskins, is 5-2 SU in its last seven games after winning as an underdog. Rookie QB Dak Prescott has been serviceable while throwing mostly to slot WR Cole Beasley and TE Jason Witten, who has a favorable matchup. Outside WR Dez Bryant could also feast against journeyman CB Tracy Porter.
The Bears have two big-name defenders in ILB Jerrell Freeman and ILB Danny Trevathan, but have struggled to contain the running game so far this season. Dallas rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott will have the opportunity to shine in the Sunday Night Football matchup.
Chicago lost their first road game against the Houston Texans in Week 1. The total has gone under in four of the Bears’ last five games on the road after a loss on the road.
