This NFL Week 7 matchup finds the Detroit Lions face off against the Dallas Cowboys in what the Dallas faithful hope is Dak’s great return. The Lions vs Cowboys moneyline is pretty wide, considering how much the Lions stick around in games.
The Lions expect their own playmaker in D’Andre Swift, to return for the game as well. Can the Lions keep it close, or will the Cowboys run away with it?
Matchup Information
Detroit Lions Season Forecast
The Lions are coming off a much-needed early bye week. The Lions started at an optimistic 1-1, which quickly became 1-4, putting them at the bottom of the NFL standings.
NFL Standings
Don’t let the record fool you. This isn’t the Lions that you’re used to getting blown out by 20.
This team is scrappy, with three of their four losses being by a margin of four or fewer points. With that being said, they did get shut out 29-0 by the New England Patriots in the last game they played in Week 5.
Lions’ Offense
The Detroit Lions coming in after a bye means their team has had a good time healing up, and we expect to hear many status updates later in the week, including D’Andre Swift, whose return could greatly ignite the Lions’ offense.
One unfortunate and sad update we did get already, however, is that Levi Onwuzurike will be missing the remainder of the season after having back surgery.
Moneyline
Opening Line
Lions vs Cowboys moneyline opened at +240 for the Lions.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line has moved to a nice +255. An abysmal outing against the Patriots has everyone down on a team that many hoped had hit a new era in the franchise.
What Makes Lose the Bet
I think the game will be closer than people are expecting, but with Dak possibly returning, it seems like a must-win game for the Cowboys, who I think can and will get it done.
NFL Odds: (+255)
Spread Line
Opening Line
The spread opened at +7.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Unlike the moneyline the spread has stayed at +7. I think that the game is going to be much closer than people expect. Detroit keeps games close, and a seven-point window seems a little wide.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Dak Prescott plans to return on Sunday, and he may be coming in hoping to end any talks of “QB controversy” that still may be lingering. If so, it could be a long day for the Lions.
NFL Odds: +7 (+115)
Total
Opening Line
The total opened at 47.5 points.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line hasn’t moved at all since open.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Don’t let the 0 on the scoreboard against New England fool you. Detroit can score with the best of them, putting up 35+ in 3 games this season. I like the over.
NFL Odds: 48.5 (-110)
Betting Trend to Know
The Lions are coming in on a two-match streak of being unable to cover the spread after covering the first three weeks.
Cowboys Season Forecast
The Dallas Cowboys have had an interesting season, to say the least. The rollercoaster of emotions started Week 1 in a loss to Tampa on Sunday Night in which Dak Prescott would suffer an injury leading to the next four weeks of Cooper Rush’s miracle run.
NFL Player Stats
Rush went to a historic 4-0 start and wasn’t bad when looking at his NFL player stats. However, Philadelphia crushed any and all rumors of a QB controversy in Dallas as they dominated a 26-17 game.
The Cowboys are hoping that Dak Prescott remains on track to get the start on Sunday. They also hope that Dalton Schultz will be able to play after being deemed questionable after his knee bothered him a little.
Expect an overall healthy Cowboys team in what should be Prescott’s return.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Lions vs Cowboys moneyline opened at -285 for the Cowboys.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line jumped to -305, presumably due to the lacking of Lion’s production and the likelihood of Prescott returning.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Prescott could be either not 100% or a little shaky, as he hasn’t played a full game healthy this year. If he is slow, the Lions could take advantage and start controlling the game early, causing the Cowboys to play catch up.
NFL Odds:(-305)
Spread Line
Opening Line
The line opened at -7.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line has remained at -7. This window seems a little large for my liking. If you buy half a point, I would probably do so and take Dallas at -6.5 if you’re really that deadset on betting on the Dallas spread.
What Makes Lose the Bet
I think that Detroit likes close games, and this is very likely one of those games. -7 is a two-possession game, and Detroit has only lost by more than four once this year.
NFL Odds: -7 (-105)
Total
Opening Line
The point total opened at 47.5 points.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line hasn’t moved at all. I like the over in what I foresee being a shoot-out with both teams reaching 25+ points.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Dallas has a dominant defense that could smother Detroit in a similar way that New England did. However, I expect Detroit to find the endzone a couple of times, just not as much as Dallas.
NFL Odds: 42.5 (-110)
Betting Trend to Know
The Cowboys are 4-2 against the spread this year.
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On
If you are going to make some NFL picks Week 7, expect a big day from Prescott. I expect Over 1.5 TDs. The odds are not available yet.
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