Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans: Betting Odds Analysis and Pick Prediction

The Tennessee Titans began another new coaching regime with a victory on the road over a quality opponent.

The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, began 2014 with another uninspiring performance. Something that, sadly, is becoming their trademark.

The Titans get a chance to move to 2-0 when they host discombobulated Dallas Sunday afternoon.

Point Spread

The Titans opened as 3.5-point favorites, but midweek wagering removed the hook, and the spread was three points at most sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark; the total was 49. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark Computer Prediction: 23.7-22.2 Dallas

Why the Cowboys Can Cover the Spread

If there's anything positive to be gleaned from Sunday's season-opening 28-17 loss at home to San Francisco, it might be that the Cowboys held the Niners scoreless in the second half.

Also, when all was said and done, Dallas had out-gained San Francisco 382-316, with help from 118 yards on the ground from DeMarco Murray. But the Cowboys had a fumble returned for a 49ers score, and QB Tony Romo threw three interceptions.

If Dallas can get the ball into Murray's hands 25 times and limit the turnovers, it will have a chance in this one. Also, playing on the road, perhaps the Cowboys will get a little more fan support at LP Field than they did Sunday in Arlington. It's a flaky trend, but the Cowboys are 5-2 against the spread against AFC South teams.

Why the Titans Can Cover the Spread

The Titans began their first season under new head coach Ken Whisenhunt with a solid 26-10 victory at Kansas City, winning outright as three-point road dogs.

Tennessee spotted the Chiefs the first score of the game, then scored the next 23 points to take a 20-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Titans out-rushed KC 162-67, got two TD passes (and no interceptions) from QB Jake Locker, picked off three Alex Smith throws and held the ball for almost 38 minutes.

Like the Cowboys have been profitable against Tennessee's division, so also have the Titans covered the spread against NFC East foes.

Smart Pick

Tennessee opened with an impressive win last week while Dallas opened with a cringe-worthy defeat. So naturally, one might think the betting tide would go with the Titans.

But how many times have we seen a team win a big game on the road, then come home and lose? And how many times have we seen a team stink it up at home, then go on the road and win?

Tennessee is 0-6 ATS in its last six home games while the Cowboys went 6-2 ATS as an underdog last year. So the pick here is with Dallas and the points.

Trends

• Cowboys 5-2 ATS last 7 games vs. AFC South
• Titans 6-1 ATS last 7 games vs. NFC East

All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.