Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been the best team against the spread in 2013. Reuters

At the beginning of the NFL season, it didn’t look like Matt McGloin wouldn't have much of an impact on the Oakland Raiders’ 2013 campaign. As Week 13 begins, the quarterback is set to start in a nationally televised game.

In Week 11, the rookie made his first start in place of an injured Terrelle Pryor. Now, he’ll be under center for Raiders in their Thursday afternoon contest against the Dallas Cowboys.

“It’s a great opportunity for us,” McGloin said. “I’m sure everybody has grown up watching that game with their families and to be a part of it is something special. We’re all looking forward to it. We’re excited about it. It’s going to be a tough atmosphere for football, but we’ll handle it.”

Pryor is healthy enough for action, but head coach Dennis Allen decided to go with McGloin. He threw three touchdowns and no interceptions in his debut, followed by a 19-for-32, 260-yard performance in a loss to the Tennessee Titans.

“It feels good,” McGloin said about knowing he;d be the starter all week.. “You don’t have to wonder or deal with it this week. It gives you some relaxing, in terms of mental preparation, kind of just focus on Dallas now and not have to worry about who’s starting.”

The Cowboys will be just four days removed their big victory against the New York Giants that essentially ended their rivals’ playoff chances. Dallas has played on Thanksgiving in every year since 1978. In 2009, they faced the Raiders on the holiday, as well. They beat Oakland 24-7, extending their then-Thanksgiving Day winning streak to four games.

Player To Watch: Matt McGloin

TIME: 4:30 p.m. Thursday

PLACE: AT&T Stadium

TV: CBS

Online: Game Rewind

Updated Betting Odds: Cowboys by 9.5

Over/Under: 47

Prediction: Cowboys over Raiders, 34-17

Football