Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins 2017: Prediction, Betting Odds For Week 8

The NFL feels like it’s more unpredictable than ever in 2017. Teams that look great one week play terribly the next.

That’s important to remember when taking a look at the Week 8 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. Dak Prescott and Co. are 2.5-point road favorites, according to the betting odds at OddsShark, following their 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Washington is a home underdog after suffering a double-digit loss on national television. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Redskins on “Monday Night Football,” winning 34-24 and cementing their position as the best team in the NFC East.

The Week 7 performances of both Dallas and Washington won’t necessarily be reflected in Sunday afternoon’s result.

There’s no denying that the Cowboys were terrific in their last game. Dallas was dominant from start to finish, winning on the road against a team that had nearly won its last five games. A week after losing by just two points in Washington, San Francisco allowed Prescott to post a 134.0 passer rating and Ezekiel Elliott to run for 147 yards on 26 attempts.

Dallas’ defense had one of its best games this season. Quarterback C.J. Beathard was sacked five times and posted a 76.1 passer rating with no touchdowns. Carlos Hyde totaled 68 yards on the ground.

Playing that well against Washington likely isn’t in the cards for the Cowboys. The 49ers haven’t won a game all season, but the Redskins actually have a few impressive victories on their resume.

Both teams enter Sunday’s contest at 3-3. The Redskins have only lost to the Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, who have the best records in their respective conferences. Washington has won on the road against the first-place Los Angeles Rams, and they handed the Oakland Raiders their first loss of the year in Week 3 in dominant fashion.

Week 7 notwithstanding, the betting line doesn’t make much sense. The Redskins should be favored at home in what will be a highly competitive NFC East battle.

The only thing that appears certain is both teams will score their share of points. The over/under of 50.5 is the largest on the Week 8 schedule with good reason.

The rivals both rank in the top quarter of the NFL when it comes to total offense. Kirk Cousins is third in the NFL with a 107.2 passer rating, and Prescott isn’t very far behind at No.8 overall. Washington has scored at least 20 points in every contest since the season opener. Dallas is averaging 33.7 points in their last three games.

Aside from their games with Philadelphia, Washington’s overall defensive numbers aren’t bad. Despite allowing Carson Wentz to post passer ratings of 126.3 and 96.8, the Redskins are still holding opposing quarterbacks to an average rating of 88.9. Only six teams have surrendered fewer rushing yards than Washington, and the Redskins will have a chance to win if they can hold Elliott below the century mark.

Taking the points and the Redskins at home is the smart pick in Week 8.

Prediction: Washington over Dallas, 33-27