Dallas Cowboys vs. Oakland Raiders: Odds, Analysis, NFL Betting Pick

The Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders combined to go 25-7 straight up and 20-12 against the spread on their way to the playoffs last season. This year, the two teams are a combined 13-13 SU and 11-14-1 ATS.

In what probably amounts to an elimination bout, the Cowboys take on the Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum on Sunday night.

NFL point spread: The Cowboys opened as 2.5-point favorites; the total was 45 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 26.0-18.4 Raiders (NFL picks on every game)

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Why the Cowboys can cover the spread

The Cowboys just won their second game in a row, 30-10 at the New York Giants on Sunday. That game was tied at 10-10 in the fourth quarter when Dallas scored touchdowns on three straight possessions to take control, on its way toward the victory and the cash as a four-point favorite.

On the afternoon, the Cowboys outgained New York 454-330, outrushed the Giants 122-102 and won the turnover battle 2-0. Two weeks ago, Dallas ran the ball for 182 yards and won the turnover battle 4-0 in a 38-14 win over Washington.

At 7-6 overall, the Cowboys—along with a couple other outfits—sit just one game back of 8-5 Atlanta in the scrum for the second NFC wild-card spot.

Why the Raiders can cover the spread

The Raiders won two in a row heading into last week, but they lost at Kansas City 26-15. Oakland fell down to the Chiefs 26-0 in the fourth quarter, scored twice to make things slightly interesting but couldn't get any closer.

Two weeks ago, the Raiders beat the Giants 24-17, outgaining New York 401-265. And just before that Oakland defeated Denver 21-14, outgaining the Broncos 348-216.

At 6-7 overall, the Raiders trail the 7-6 Chiefs and Chargers by one game for the lead in the AFC West, and they sit just one game back of 7-6 Buffalo in the battle for the second AFC wild-card berth.

Smart pick

The Raiders can look bad at times, like last week, but they're 4-3 over their last seven games, and 3-0 over their last three true home games.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys played out on one coast last week and now play on the opposite coast this week. That could take a toll. Smarter money here probably bets Oakland.

NFL betting trends

The Raiders are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games after consecutive ATS losses.

The total has gone over in seven of the Raiders' last nine games in Week 15.

The Cowboys are 5-2 SU and ATS in their last seven games against the AFC.

All NFL odds and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.