Cowboys vs. Panthers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Coming off of yet another disappointing loss, the Dallas Cowboys take to the road once again to face the Carolina Panthers who are looking to turn their season around coming off of a bye week.

A battle between quarterbacks Tony Romo and Cam Newton is bound to have explosive plays and plenty of excitement. But also at stake is the complexion of the season for both teams. Having fallen short of expectations to date, this is a crucial crossroads game for the two NFC playoff hopefuls.

Despite all the weapons that both these offenses possess, Dallas and Carolina are just 24th and 25th respectively in points scored per game.

Injuries that could keep key defensive players out for both teams should signal more of a shootout in this one.

Here is a closer look at Sunday's game in Bank of America Stadium.

Current Betting Line (via Odds Shark)

Over/under: 45.5

Spread: Dallas (-2)

Money Line: Dallas (-135), Carolina (+115)

What's at Stake

A season-saving win is on the line for both teams, who are desperately trying to gain traction in the NFC playoff chase. The Panthers sit at just 1-4, while the Cowboys are last in the highly competitive East division.

Newton must prove that he is not in the midst of a sophomore slump and get his team in the end zone more frequently. Dallas must prove that their time to be a Super Bowl contender is now so that the team doesn't have to answer any questions about the championship "window."

Promising starts to 2012 for both teams have quickly evaporated. It will be a game of desperation football and high-level intensity.

Injury News (via ESPN)

Dallas Cowboys

Anthony Spencer, LB (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE, Morris Claiborne, CB (knee) QUESTIONABLE, Mike Jenkins, CB (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE, Sean Lissemore, DE (ankle) OUT, DeMarco Murray, RB (foot) OUT.

Carolina Panthers

Chris Gamble, CB (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE, Jon Beason, LB (knee) QUESTIONABLE, David Gettis, WR (hamstring) OUT.

Key Matchup

The Carolina front seven will have to make sure Dallas isn't able to establish a running game. If Beason is unable to play, though, that task will become much more difficult. A lot of weight will be placed on rookie first-round pick Luke Kuechly to make plays and lead in Beason's potential absence.

Since the Panthers are already at a disadvantage matching up with Dallas' skilled receivers, it is critical that they are not gashed on the ground, too.

11th Hour Fantasy Advice

Cam Newton: As the team's leading rusher and passer, it's hard not to give Newton a look every week. The Cowboys may have the No. 2 pass defense in terms of yards allowed per game, but their last two games have been awful. Newton poses plenty of problems and has had an extra week to prepare. This is a far more suitable matchup than it appears to be in breaking down simple stats.

Steve Smith: With Morris Claiborne questionable for Dallas, Smith will be able to roam around the field and even avoid man coverage with Cowboys CB Brandon Carr. That should allow the 12-year veteran to have a big day. Smith is averaging 18.5 yards per catch in 2012, and it's only a matter of time before he and Newton rediscover the rapport that made them such an explosive duo last season.

Tony Romo: If Chris Gamble is unable to go, Romo will have Dez Bryant and Miles Austin drawing man coverage against rookie Josh Norman, second-year player Josh Thomas and Captain Munnerlyn. With so many weapons and a rather thin Carolina defensive backfield, Romo should have a strong fantasy day.

Felix Jones: Taking over for the injured Murray at running back, Jones' job will be even easier with Panthers linebacker Jon Beason not at full health, even if he is able to play on Sunday. Jones is a receiving threat out of the backfield and an electric runner, and he is definitely worth a spot start this week.

Prediction

Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams couldn't have summed up the game better in a story by USA TODAY columnist Jarrett Bell: 

"

Come Sunday, we'll know if it was a good bye. Everybody's excited. We had time for self-evaluation. It's like a new season for us. Either we're still looking, or we've found an identity.

"

Having snowboarded through the season without playing much inspirational football, the Panthers have still lost three of their four games by only one possession. That part of their identity—struggling to finish—is what they desperately need to change.

Expect a huge redemption game for the Panthers at home. It is essentially a must-win scenario for each team, but Carolina cannot afford to be 1-5 with looming road trips to Chicago and Washington in the next two games.

Final Score: Panthers 28, Cowboys 24