2011 NFL Schedule: Dallas Cowboys Powerful Betting Trends

The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2011 NFL preseason with a 2-2 straight-up record and 1-3 against-the-spread mark. 

Quarterback Tony Romo completed 26 of 37 passes for 232 yards, while tossing a touchdown and interception.  He seems fully recovered from a fractured left clavicle injury sustained last year.

Dallas outscored its opponents by a 83-71 margin despite finishing with a minus-four turnover ratio in four games.

Let's take a look at the five most powerful betting trends for or against the Cowboys heading into a new year.

NFC West Opponents

Dallas is scheduled to play the entire NFC West division this season, and it may turn out to be a very good thing for bettors.

The Cowboys are 7-1 ATS when hosting opponents from that particular division.

Dallas will likely be a small favorite against the St. Louis Rams in Week 7—before laying more points versus the Seattle Seahawks two weeks later.

Head coach Jason Garrett is likely to place a premium on those two contests at Cowboys Stadium, as they are proceeded by road games against New England and Philadelphia respectively.

Playing Host to the Washington Redskins

Bettors that have been backing the Cowboys against the Redskins over the last nine meetings have lost a lot of money—dropping seven of the last nine meetings.

The misfortunes are even greater when serving as host, posting an 0-4 ATS mark the last four years.

Dallas registered a 33-30 win in the Lone Star State in 2010 but failed to cover the 9.5-point spread.

Facing the Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas covered both 2010 meetings with one of its fiercest division rivals and may gain even more line value in the matchup this year due to Philadelphia's offseason acquisitions.

The Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings against the Eagles, including a 3-0 mark when playing in front of the home fans.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to ring the register in Week 8 (Oct. 30) and Week 16 (Dec. 24).

Traveling to Foxborough

The New England Patriots are a virtual nightmare for almost all NFL teams, and the Cowboys are no different.  Dallas is 0-3 ATS in the last three meetings.

It's important to note that the Cowboys will play two home games and enjoy their bye week before the highly-publicized Week 6 matchup.

None of it matters unless the pass defense dramatically improves.

Thanksgiving Day

Head coach Jason Garrett could be all smiles if the Miami Dolphins come into Cowboys Stadium with a record under .500 for a Thanksgiving Day tradition on Nov. 24.

Dallas is 10-0 ATS on the holiday when hosting a team with a losing record.

Watch the standings closely and get ready for a potential feast.