Ravens could put down a challenge

NFL
Sky Sports 2, 6pm

Dallas are bidding to wrap up a quick treble of AFC North victims after beating Cleveland and Pittsburgh in the last two weeks.

The Cowboys have roared into contention to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl with an impressive 8-1 start and rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott showing the way.

The Dallas quarterback and running back both benefit hugely from playing behind the best offensive line in the league.

But this game is no gimme for Dallas, who are facing the best defence they have seen for a while.

It will be a blow for Baltimore if cornerback Jimmy Smith and linebacker Elvis Dumervil are both ruled out, but they are worth supporting with a big handicap start.

The Ravens have played the same two teams as Dallas over the past fortnight and achieved similar results, albeit at home while the Cowboys were on the road. Baltimore beat Cleveland by 21, Dallas beat the Browns by 25. Baltimore beat Pittsburgh by seven, Dallas beat the Steelers by five.

The Ravens had been on a four-game losing streak before their bye week but are top of the AFC North and should provide a real test for Dallas, who got a scare on Friday when wide receiver Dez Bryant tweaked his back.

The Cowboys are the most impressive side of the season but this may not be easy.

Recommendation
Baltimore +7.5
1pt 20-23 Betfair, Coral

The lowdown
TV Sky Sports 2 Starts 6pm
Venue AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Surface Artificial
Weather Sunny, 16C
Best handicaps Baltimore +7.5; Dallas -7
Points line 44.5-45.5

Team news
Baltimore
Cornerback Jimmy Smith (back) and linebacker Elvis Dumervil (foot) are doubtful but Dumervil hopes to play after missing the last four games. Left guard Alex Lewis (ankle) and tight end Crockett Gillmore (thigh) have been ruled out.

Dallas
Wide receiver Dez Bryant (back) was limited in Friday’s practice but is expected to play. QB Tony Romo (back) should be active for the first time this season but Dak Prescott is the starter now. Left tackle Tyron Smith (back) and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (back) are questionable but are likely to play.

Key stat
Baltimore have won all four of their meetings with Dallas