Dallas can get on the front foot in clash with Tennessee

Sky Sports Action, 1.15am Monday night

Tennessee and Dallas have had eight days off but bookmakers remain unconvinced that the pair can serve up a thrilling encounter in the final game of Week Nine.

The total points line for their meeting in Arlington is just 40.5 - the lowest for any Monday match this season.

Both have struggled to perform consistently as they approach the mid-point of their season with 3-4 records.

The Titans made everyone sit up and listen after beating Jacksonville and Philadelphia in consecutive weeks, but they lost to a dismal Buffalo, failed to score against Baltimore and then missed a two-point conversion that would have probably given them victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley.

Dallas have alternated between wins and losses all season but look the stronger outfit and they can grab the initiative on their own patch, where they have won all three of their matches.

There is still an over-reliance on the rushing of running back Ezekiel Elliott, something they have attempted to rectify with the capture of wide receiver Amari Cooper from Oakland - he is set to make his Cowboys debut.

However, while they have scored an average of 20 points in their seven matches - 26th in the scoring standings - that figure goes up to 28.7 in Arlington, helped by their 40-7 win over the Jaguars in their last home game three weeks ago.

Their last two defeats came by just three-point margins against rejuvenated Houston and surprise-package Washington, suggesting they are not far from getting it right on a more regular basis.

Recommendation
Over 22.5 Dallas points
2pts 10-11 Betway

The lowdown
Venue AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Surface Artificial
Weather Clear, 20C (roof may be closed)
Vegas handicap Tennessee +5
Vegas points line 40.5

Team news

Tennessee
Linebacker Derrick Morgan is ruled out with a shoulder problem.
Dallas
Wide receiver Tavon Austin (groin) and defensive tackle David Irving (ankle) are out. Tight end Geoff Swaim is doubtful with a knee injury.

Key stat
Tennessee have covered the handicap in four of their last five visits to Dallas

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