Giants @ Cowboys Media Roundup: Who's Picking The Cowboys?

The Cowboys are 3.5-point favorites at home against the Giants on Sunday night. Given that the odds makers generally start with a base 3-point advantage for home teams in the NFL, the Vegas odds would suggest that the two teams are pretty evenly matched tonight. The over/under set at a moderate 48.5, indicating that about a half dozen touchdowns are to be expected, but perhaps not a blowout.

Whether or not the experts have a better feel for what will happen on Sunday remains to be seen, but here's what those experts are predicting for the Cowboys' season opener:

Name	Pick	Score	Blurb
Elliot Harrison, NFL.com		30-26	Expect Dallas to finally win, as Romo should exploit what likely will be a Jason Pierre-Paul-less defense (that also is suffering through multiple injuries in the secondary). Both Bryant and Miles Austin have looked great in the preseason. Still, second-year running back David Wilson will pop one for the Giants, with Eli Manning capitalizing on a Cowboys miscue (they always have one ... or two ... or ...) to keep New York close. Manning has torched the Cowboys throughout his career, putting up 32 touchdowns and six 300-yard games in 17 outings. If Jerry Jones or his son Stephen have any "secret sauce," now would be the time to put it on the celery.
Don Banks, SI.com		30-23	The Giants absolutely love playing at Cowboys Stadium, or whatever they're calling it these days for a big, fat naming-rights check. Tom Coughlin's guys are 4-0 there, and own the place to the degree that they even feel comfortable writing on the walls. But I've got the feeling that Tony Romo is going to say enough is enough, and will Dallas to a season-opening win. Romo has had some gaudy passing yardage totals against New York of late, and this time he'll roll up enough points that even Eli Manning can't mount a successful comeback.
Dan Graziano, ESPN		35-17	The Giants are in bad shape physically, and I think they'll have a rough September. Three road games in the month, and I agree with you that they'll lose the first one. I think the Cowboys are in for a good season, and it starts Sunday night with a blowout. Prediction: Cowboys 35, Giants 17
Todd Archer, ESPNDallas		31-23	OK, I'm going on the odds here. At some point the Cowboys have to beat the Giants in Arlington, don't they? Maybe the name change to AT&T Stadium will help. So for the second straight year, Dallas opens the season with a win against the New York Football Giants.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports		21-17	These rivals are both coming off disappointing seasons and need to get off to fast starts. Tony Romo received a new contract this offseason, but all it did was add to the heat he takes. The Giants have injury issues, and that plays out here. I look for Romo to Dez Bryant to have a big night as a combo.
Sam Farmer, LA Times		24-27	Since their new stadium opened, the Cowboys are 0-4 against the Giants at home. Law of averages says they’ve got to win one soon. But the Giants are steady and confident, so maybe next year.
Peter Schrager, Foxsports		34-27	Any early reviews on Carrie Underwood’s version of the SundayNight Football song? I’m a fan of Carrie’s. Strong, independent, incredibly talented. Sort of like her ex-boyfriend, the Cowboys’ quarterback. Give me Dallas in a fun one Sunday evening
Greg Cote, Miami Herald		30-27	I guess I get why this rivalry is treated to the marquee Sunday night slot, although, honestly, I could as easily see both these teams scrambling for wild-card contention as winning the NFC East. NYG is 4-0 in Dallas’ new stadium, but Biggies are banged up on the O-line, and ’Boys will show better pass-D versus Eli Manning under the wing of sage old Monte Kiffin.
Vinny Iyer, Sporting News		27-24	With Romo and Dez Bryant, the Cowboys came oh-so close to holding serve a year ago, and expect them to attack the Giants' injury riddled secondary. With a banged-up pass rush, Romo will be able to deliver some big pass plays. Manning is used to answering, especially in the fourth quarter, but Dallas' new 4-3 defense will limit the damage to earn its first silver star.
Randle The Handle, Toronto Sun		- -	The Giants’ signature pass rush may not be the effective unit that we’re used to seeing after much of its personnel have moved on to other locales. Despite star talent littered throughout its roster, Dallas hype has been toned down this year. We see that as a good thing for what might be a dangerous Cowboys squad.

In addition to the selection of experts above who provide a rationale for their picks, many other experts don't provide any specific commentary, and are summarized in the table below:

Overall, the Cowboys look like slight favorites in the court of public opinion, but will Sunday's game really be the high-scoring affair some of the experts seem to suggest it will be? Weigh in with your opinion in the comments section.

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