NFL Divisional Playoff Odds: Best bets against the spread

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) before the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) before the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) under center at the line of scrimmage against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) under center at the line of scrimmage against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Cowboys (+6) over Green Bay Packers

Let me just say that I liked this number better at seven, but I’ll take it at six. As mentioned previously, the injury woes for Aaron Rodgers are a significant factor, but I already would have liked the Cowboys in this spot.

Tony Romo doesn’t get enough credit.

Yes, I said that.

The 34-year-old, much-maligned quarterback led the NFL in total QBR (82.7) while issuing only nine interceptions against 34 touchdowns in the regular season. Skeptics will point to a couple of untimely sacks last week in the win over Detroit, but Romo was outstanding, throwing for 293 yards and two touchdowns with a 114.0 quarterback rating.

With that on the table, I trust the Cowboys more than this line tells me that I should. The percentage of action on this game is relatively split (52% on Dallas, 48% on Green Bay) as I write this, but a large portion of that comes from the sharp side on Dallas, and that is what has moved this line down from the opener.

It is never safe to trust the Cowboys if you believe in their track record, but given the 6-point cushion, I’m buying.

Next: Denver-Indianapolis UNDER