NFL Wildcard Underdog Pick
January 8th 2010 - Special K            

Philadelphia Eagles (+4) at Dallas Cowboys

Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Cowboys might be their most difficult playoff matchup. All season long the Eagles have prospered on turnovers and have relied on big plays from Donovan McNabb and DeSean Jackson. The Cowboys have basically beaten the Eagles twice because they have ignored the Eagles running game and have focused on eliminating the Eagles big play capabilities. Along with that, the Cowboys have only turned the ball over twice against the Eagles and Tony Romo has only thrown 9 interceptions all year. So why is it I like the Eagles with the points then?

For one, the Eagles have much more playoff experience with Andy Reid and McNabb than do the Cowboys. The pressure for the Cowboys to win a playoff game is huge and intense. Winning this game will not come easy to the Cowboys. If the Cowboys do pull it off, the margin of victory will most likely be by a field goal. To me, 4 points in this contest feels like a lot of points to be giving.

Another big concern I have about the Cowboys is their kicking game. They dropped Folk for Suisham a few weeks ago. To me, this move was like going out and buying a new driver when you get the shanks in golf instead of seeking lessons to fix the real problem. Suisham misses 30 yard field goal just like Folk did and the Cowboys have absolutely no faith in their kicking game which could be a momentum changer in a game of this magnitude.

We all know the history and recent playoff troubles of the Cowboys but I'm still going to throw some trends out there for you to digest.  The Cowboys are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 playoff games. Meanwhile, the Eagles are 5-0 ATS as an underdog in their last 5 playoff games.

Take the Eagles and the 4 points