Cowboys vs. Panthers: Point Spread, Total & Prediction

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys, NFL

Tony Romo is back just in time to challenge the Panthers’ undefeated record on Thanksgiving afternoon. (Getty)

Let’s paint the scene, here.

It’s Thanksgiving. You’ve eaten the turkey, or the turducken or, maybe, even the tofurkey. You’re full. You’re content. There are leftovers for later. Now, it’s time for football.

Thank goodness, because this one is going to be a good one.

The Carolina Panthers head to Texas, undefeated, riding a wave of almost ridiculous regular season success with chip on their collective shoulder that is so visible that it’s almost obvious under their shoulder pads. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are ready to play spoiler, buoyed by the return of Tony Romo and his ability to actually throw touchdown passes in an offense that is, finally, starting to look  healthy.

So, while it may not be expected on paper, the Panthers come in as just 1-point favorites at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.

What will take for the Cowboys to play spoiler to the undefeated squad from Carolina? Romo has to be perfect. And that may be asking a lot from a quarterback that hadn’t played in seven games before returning to the gridiron last Sunday. Almost two months off and then two games in the span of less than a week.

But, it certainly won’t be an easy battle this week. In fact, history doesn’t give Dallas much odds-ranked confidence. According to OddsSharks NFL database, the Cowboys are 5-5 overall, 2-8 ATS and 4-5-1 over/under in their last 10 games at home in November.

Dallas is also 2-6 ATS and 1-7 SU in its last eight games, as well as 1-5 ATS in its last six games at home. Keep in mind though, Romo missed seven games. He’s a difference-maker when he’s on the field.

On the other hand, the odds have been pretty kind to Carolina. The perfect Panthers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games and 5-0 SU in their last five games. Add into the mix that the squad is 6-0-1 ATS in its last seven games on the road and there’s plenty of reason to get behind Carolina this afternoon.

The total for Thursday afternoon’s Carolina vs. Dallas betting matchup is set at 47 points by the sportsbooks. The total has gone OVER in nine of Carolina’s last 12 games on the road and OVER in six of Carolina’s last eight games. Meanwhile, the total has gone UNDER in five of Dallas’ last seven games.

The OddsShark computer is predicting a 24 – 21.6 Carolina victory.

Carolina vs. Dallas pick: Carolina SU & ATS