Dallas at Houston

Dallas is a dog but playing great defense at seventh in the NFL in points allowed (19.3 per game), with a strong front line that allows just 97.8 yards rushing per contest. RB Ezekiel Elliott is averaging 5.8 yards per carry and will play, providing balance with mobile QB Dak Prescott. The Cowboys have covered five of the last six road games against teams with losing home records. Dallas is off a 26-24 win over Detroit and is 10-2 ATS after topping 400 total yards in their previous game. They are a dog to a Houston defense that has struggled at #22 in yards allowed, #27 against the pass, and #21 in points surrendered (27 ppg). The Texans come off a rare win, but are on a 1-8 spread run, plus 4-10 ATS when following a victory. This shapes up as a close one, so back the dog with the far better defense. Play Dallas.