Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott can lead by example

Sky Sports Action, 9.30pm Thursday

Washington's excellent season came crashing down around their ears on Sunday when quarterback Alex Smith broke his leg and the Redskins' misfortune could hand NFC East rivals Dallas a great opportunity.

With Super Bowl winners Philadelphia floundering and the New York Giants still off the pace despite two successive victories, the Cowboys look best placed to grab the bull by the horns.

Wins over the Eagles and Atlanta have left Dallas just one victory in arrears, so the motivation is there and they should still be gleaning confidence from their 40-7 thumping of Jacksonville a few weeks ago.

Colt McCoy will take over at quarterback for the Redskins and it is difficult to be confident about his ability to keep his team in the race as he has won just seven of his 25 NFL matches. And although Washington have covered the handicap in nine of their last 11 away games against the Cowboys, they look to be up against it.

Dallas's offence tends to be more run-centric than many other teams in the NFL and it seems likely that rusher Ezekiel Elliott will play another prominent role.

However, quarterback Dak Prescott is mobile and often a factor in the red zone. With four rushing touchdowns already this season, he is attractively priced to go over for another score.

Recommendation
D Prescott to score a touchdown
1pt 7-2 Sky Bet

The lowdown
Venue AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Washington +7
Vegas points line 40.5

Team news
Washington
Quarterback Alex Smith broke his leg on Sunday so Colt McCoy will deputise. Hopes are high offensive tackle Trent Williams will be fit after a thumb injury.
Dallas
Tight end Geoff Swaim is still out after wrist surgery.

Key stat
The points total has gone under the line in ten of Washington's last 14 matches.

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