What seemed a few weeks ago as a possible breather for the Cowboys is anything but Saturday night in Charlotte, when the Panthers host Dallas, which is a 10.5-point favorite (over/under: 43) on WagerWeb.com.
Dallas (12-2) lost 10-6 to Philadelphia on Sunday, ending its seven-game winning streak. In what could signal a bad omen, since the 1996 season, when they earned their last playoff victory, the Cowboys haven't posted a winning record in regular season games in December and January, going 16-29.
The big news surrounding that loss to Philly was Tony Romo's thumb - and girlfriend.
Romo, with Jessica Simpson watching, was just 13-of-36 for 214 yards and posted a career-low rating of 22.2. He bruised his throwing hand, but didn't miss any snaps and insisted that he is "fine" and will play on Saturday.
”It's a bruise. The swelling has gone down," coach Wade Phillips said. "We think he'll be able to do everything."
Said tight end Jason Witten: "He [Romo] hasn't said a whole lot. We all hope he does [play]. I'd be shocked if he didn't."
WR Terrell Owens, meanwhile, has only five catches and no touchdowns over the last two games, and didn't haul in a pass against his former team until the fourth quarter Sunday.
But in 13 games against Carolina, T.O. has 67 receptions for 1,035 yards and nine touchdowns. Of his 67 catches, 13 were for 25 or more yards.
In addition, Phillips is "hopeful" wide receiver Terry Glenn will make his season debut Saturday. Glenn has been practicing this week. He has missed all 14 games since choosing an arthroscopic procedure on his knee over season-ending microfracture surgery.
Dallas has already clinched a first-round bye and is tied with Green Bay for the best record in the NFC.
The Cowboys own the tiebreaker, so a win and a Packers loss in Chicago on Sunday will ensure Dallas home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
Meanwhile, Carolina's new starting QB has Dallas connections. Rookie Matt Moore began his career with the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie out of Oregon State.Moore went to training camp with the Cowboys and completed 21 of 29 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions for a 100.1 passer rating during the preseason. He was released Sept. 1.
The Panthers claimed him off waivers the next day.
In his first career start last week, Moore completed 19 of 27 passes for 208 yards and no interceptions in the Panthers' 13-10 win over Seattle.
"He did a great job," said guard Mike Wahle. "He's been doing a good job all year in practice. The kid's certainly not afraid of the spotlight, and I'm excited to see what he does on Saturday."
After a five-game slide from the end of October and throughout November, the Panthers have won their last two home games. Last week's victory over Seattle was the Panthers' first against a winning team this season.
"Carolina's playing well now," Phillips said. "They had trouble at home earlier in the year but they played real well the last couple games at home. We think it's going to be a tough game."
Under Moore's direction, the Panthers converted 9-of-18 third-down attempts and held the ball for nearly 35 1/2 minutes. The offense also did not commit a turnover for the first time since Week 6. Carolina stopped Seattle's offense by running 38 times and keeping the ball. Expect more of the same while being cautious with Moore.
Interestingly, the Panthers are 5-0 when RB DeAngelo Williams has had more than 10 carries this season, but are 1-8 when he doesn't reach that mark. Yet he's not the starter - DeShaun Foster is.
The lowdown: The Cowboys lead the all-time series 6-3, including last year's 35-14 win in Charlotte, though the Panthers are 2-0 against Dallas in the playoffs.
The Cowboys have won the last six regular season meetings with the Panthers since losing the first-ever matchup 23-13 on Dec. 8, 1997. ... Witten now has 1,068 receiving yards, a career-best and franchise record for a tight end. His 340 career catches surpassed Jay Novacek (339) for most by a Cowboys tight end. ... Carolina ranks 12th in the NFL in team defense and second in the NFC against the run. ...
Dallas likely will be without center Andre Gurode (knee) and safety Patrick Watkins (ankle), but defensive end Chris Canty and tight end Anthony Fasano should play after leaving Sunday's game against Philadelphia with injuries. Safety Roy Williams' appeal of his suspension was denied, and he won't play. ...
Don't think there's much doubt Dallas bounces back and wins this game, but a conservative Carolina attack - plus a nicked up Romo - should keep it somewhat close. The Panthers cover.
Betting Trends
The Cowboys are 9-5 ATS.
The Cowboys are 4-2 ATS away.
The Cowboys are 8-4 ATS as the favorite.
The Cowboys are 3-2 ATS as an away favorite.
The Panthers are 6-8 ATS.
The Panthers are 2-5 ATS at home.
The Panthers are 4-5 ATS as the underdog.
The Panthers are 1-2 ATS as a home underdog.
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