New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys

Betting Odds

Point Spread: New Orleans Saints (-4)
Game Total Line: (50)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Dallas (3-7, 3-7 ATS) has won back-to-back games since firing Wade Phillips and replacing him with interim head coach Jason Garrett, including a 35-19 win over Detroit last week (Dallas covered as a 5.5 point favorite, giving it two straight wins ATS).

The offense has been much sharper with Garrett at the helm, averaging 34 points per game over the last two outings-and that's with Jon Kitna subbing for quarterback Tony Romo. Kitna has thrown six touchdowns and just one interception over the past two weeks. His best target has been Dez Bryant. The rookie is outstanding, having scored seven total touchdowns in his last six games. He scored against the Lions though had just eight receiving yards, snapping a three-game streak of 80 or more.

The defense as looked better, too. Cornerback Bryan McCann has been a standout on "D" and special teams. Two weeks ago against the Giants, he took an interception 101 yards for a score. Last week, he housed a punt 97 yards. There are still some holes-Lions backup Shaun Hill was 32-47 for 289 yards and two touchdowns-but Dallas is at least making enough big plays to swing momentum.

Despite being the defending Super Bowl champion, New Orleans (7-3, 4-6 ATS) is somewhat flying under the radar. The Saints started slowly, with their offense in a funk, but that's a distant memory now.

New Orleans crushed Seattle 34-19 last week, improving to 4-1 ATS in its last five games. The Saints have scored 68 points in their past two outings, and Drew Brees is finally in midseason form. He's tossed six touchdowns in the past two games. Brees is finally getting some help in the backfield. Rookie Chris Ivory rushed for 99 yards and a score against Seattle, while running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas could return to action Thursday.

The defense, meanwhile, has allowed just 32 points in the last three games-all Saints victories. New Orleans ranks fourth in total defense and second in pass yards allowed. The "D" has been susceptible to the run at times, though it's had a breather with anemic rushing attacks from Carolina and Seattle over the past few games.

The Saints are 5-1 (5-1 ATS) in their past six games against Dallas, though the Cowboys won and covered their most recent match up. The total has gone under in three of their last four meetings. BetED.com has set the total for Thursday's game at 50 points.

Point Spread Pick

The Saints gave up 366 passing yards to the Seahawks and the game was much closer than the final score. Take the Cowboys +4 at Sportsbook.com