Brave Washington could have the edge over Cowboys

Sky Sports Action, 1.25am Thursday night

Punters are used to being asked to solve the problem of 5-6 your choice and the records of Washington and Dallas - both have won five of their 11 games - are not far from the prices for their Week 13 clash in Texas.

Dallas clearly had the upper hand when the teams met in Week Eight, securing a 33-19 road victory with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns from running back Ezekiel Elliott.

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But it has been a different story for the Cowboys in the three games since Elliott began a six-match suspension. They have lost 27-7 in Atlanta and suffered two home humblings, 37-9 by Philadelphia and 28-6 to the improving LA Chargers.

That makes an aggregate loss of 92-22 over the last three weeks and, while Washington's victory last time out was against the struggling Giants, they have been in decent shape, suffering narrow defeats to playoff contenders New Orleans and Minnesota after beating Seattle on the road.

The visitors have been dealing with injuries all season but their young players have stepped up their game, with running back Samaje Perine and wide receiver Josh Doctson coming to the fore in recent outings.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins has his ups and downs but is developing a strong connection with Jamison Crowder while his Dallas counterpart Dak Prescott is going through the toughest spell of his career.

Dallas are backed into a corner and could well come out fighting but the sensible move is to side with the team who are showing most heart for the battle and that has to be Washington.

Recommendation
Washington +1.5
1pt 10-11 general

The lowdown

Venue AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Surface Artificial
Weather Clear, 15C
Vegas handicap Washington +1.5
Vegas points line 44.5

Team news
Washington
Left tackle Trent Williams (knee) could return. Tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) is expected to remain sidelined.

Dallas
Running back Ezekiel Elliott is still suspended. Linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring) is unlikely to play and fellow LBs Anthony Hitchen (groin) and Justin Durant (concussion) are also struggling. Left tackle Tyron Smith (back) should be able to play.

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