NFL: Hobbled Cowboys home underdogs against Falcons

Dallas Cowboys will try to stay undefeated this weekend when they play host to the Atlanta Falcons as 1.5-point underdogs in NFL betting at Coral.

The Cowboys return home after shocking the heavily-favoured Philadelphia Eagles, picking up a 20-10 win in Week 2 while pegged as 6.5-point outsiders.

However, the win came at a significant cost, with quarterback Tony Romo leaving the game with a broken collarbone that will sideline him indefinitely.

Romo is joined in the Cowboys infirmary by his favourite target, receiver Dez Bryant, who is hobbled with a foot injury that will keep him out of action for at least eight weeks.

The loss of their two most important offensive weapons is further complicated by the uncertain status of tight end Jason Witten, who is also struggling through a painful ankle injury.

Fortunately, the Dallas defense has been getting the job done, holding opponents to just 257.5 total yards per game in their first two outings. However, they face a much bigger offensive threat in the Falcons, who travel to Big D undefeated SU and ATS after also recording wins over the Eagles and Giants.

With the combo of pivot Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones clicking for 276 total passing yards and two TDs in their first two outings, the Cowboys’ secondary will be kept busy all afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts continue the search for their first win of the season when they travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans as slim 3-point favourites.

The Colts have been a major disappointment so far, tallying just 27 total points in losses to the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, both as betting favourites.

Indy’s rough start has taken its toll on the club’s Super Bowl 50 odds at Coral, where they have slipped to 14/1 (after rising to 8/1 prior to Week 1), but remain strong 2/7 favourites to claim their third straight AFC South divisional crown.

The Titans showed flashes of what their future may hold in their lopsided 42-14 Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota put on a show in his NFL debut, becoming the first quarterback to toss four TD passes in the first half of his first pro game, while second-year rushers, Bishop Sankey and Terrance West, combined for 115 yards on the ground.

The Titans took a step back in a SU and ATS loss to the Cleveland Browns last weekend, but with their defense holding opponents to under 275 total yards in each of their outings so far, Tennessee will attract the attention of punters looking for value in a home underdog.

In other NFL Week 3 betting action, the Seattle Seahawks look to end a three-game SU and ATS winning streak when they open their home schedule against the Chicago Bears as heavy 15-point favourites. While the winless Baltimore Ravens welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to town for their home opener as 2.5-point favourites.

The Eagles travel to the Big Apple to battle the Jets as 2-point underdogs, while the Bills look to bounce back from a loss to New England, facing the Miami Dolphins as 3-point road underdogs. The Patriots gun for their sixth straight SU and ATS win when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars as 14.5-point favourites.