Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

The Dallas Cowboys will bring a four-game winning streak to CenturyLink Field Sunday when they visit the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Dallas lost 27-7 at Seattle two years ago as a three-point road favorite and has gone 3-1 against the spread in its last four games, while the Seahawks are coming off a 27-17 victory against Washington on Monday Night Football as seven-point road chalk.

Point spread: The Seahawks opened as 8.5-point favorites; the total was 47. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark computer prediction: 34.5-25.5 Seahawks

Why the Cowboys can cover the spread

The Cowboys have found a nice balance offensively so far between quarterback Tony Romo and running back DeMarco Murray, neither of whom have been asked to do too much. Murray has taken some pressure off Romo, who has thrown just two interceptions over the last four games combined after tossing three in their season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Likewise, Romo’s strong play lately has helped Dallas overcome Murray losing a fumble in four of the five games. The Cowboys have gone 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games as road underdogs, and the combination of Romo and Murray playing well together can help extend that trend.

Why the Seahawks can cover the spread

Seattle has beaten the spread in the past two meetings with Dallas after failing to cover the previous five, and the last game between the teams showed how well the Seahawks match up with the Cowboys. Romo was held to 251 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception while Murray totalled 44 yards on 12 carries. Offensively, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 151 yards and one touchdown with running back Marshawn Lynch rushing for 122 yards and one touchdown.

The Seahawks also returned a blocked punt for a score, giving them a nearly perfect all-around performance. No home field is worth more to any team, and Dallas will learn why again.

Smart Pick

The Cowboys turned in their most impressive win of the season at home against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4 and were fortunate to beat the Houston Texans in overtime last week. Their previous two road wins earlier this season came against the Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams, who have totalled two victories between them.

The road environment at Tennessee and St. Louis is no comparison for what Dallas will see at Seattle. The Seahawks have won their three games this season by an average of 12 points, while the one loss by the Cowboys was decided by 11 points. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out this game has a double-digit victory for Seattle written all over it. Bettors should look for a similar outcome as the last time they met here.

Trends

• The total has gone under in five of Dallas' last six games when playing Seattle.
• Seattle is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games when playing Dallas.

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark—follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.