Dallas Cowboys
The last-place Cowboys (3-8) are remarkably just one game out of first place in the NFC East due to the season-long struggles of all four division clubs. Dallas likely would be leading the division if not for the loss of Dak Prescott (ankle) as the Cowboys have gone just 1-5 without the star quarterback. Running back Ezekiel Elliott (707 rushing yards) has just one 100-yard outing this year while being held below 55 on six occasions.Receivers Amari Cooper (71 catches, 848 yards) and CeeDee Lamb (53 for 650) have been productive despite the quarterback upheaval but have combined for just seven touchdown catches. The offensive line is beat up and will be without both tackles Zack Martin (calf) and Cam Erving (knee). The defense allows a league-worst 32.6 points per game and Dallas gave up over 40 for the second time this season when it lost 41-16 to the Washington Football Team on Thanksgiving.Safety Donovan Wilson (groin) was added to the injury list on Friday, and his status was uncertain. Cornerback Anthony Brown (ribs) is in jeopardy of missing his second consecutive game.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens (6-5) have been ravaged with coronavirus issues and had 13 players on the reserve/COVID-19 (12 active roster, one practice squad) as of Friday evening. Quarterback Lamar Jackson remained on the list, and he missed Baltimore’s 19-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. It remains uncertain if he will be cleared before kickoff. Trace McSorley is being prepared to make his first career NFL start after No. 2 QB Robert Griffin III sustained a hamstring injury against the Steelers.McSorley threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Brown against Pittsburgh but completed only one of his other five attempts. If Jackson isn’t cleared, rookie Tyler Huntley would be promoted from the practice squad to be the backup, leaving the Ravens with two novice quarterbacks at a time in which they have lost three straight contests and four of their past five. Defensive end Calais Campbell and outside linebacker Matthew Judon — who share the team lead with four sacks apiece — are among the other Ravens on the COVID-19 list.Veteran cornerback Jimmy Smith (groin) exited the Pittsburgh loss, and his status will be observed closely by the Ravens. Baltimore ranks third in scoring defense (19.5 points per game) and eighth in total defense (333.1 yards per game).
Cowboys at Ravens Betting Pick for Week 13
Baltimore is already out of the AFC North race and badly needs a victory in terms of its wild-card hopes, so this will be a desperate group regardless of who starts at quarterback. The Dallas defense is among the worst in the league, so it wouldn’t be stunning if McSorley starts and has a productive game.The Cowboys will breathe a sigh of relief if Jackson isn’t on the field, but his absence doesn’t make things easier. The club’s five losses without Prescott are by an average of 18.8 points, so even staying competitive has been a challenge.Cowboys at Ravens Betting Pick:Ravens 24, Cowboys 13
Cowboys at Ravens Best Bet for Week 13
Considering McSorley looks to be the most likely starter for the Ravens, the under seems the best route. If Jackson were to play, that would change the scenario, but on the other hand, he might not be able to play in top form.Cowboys at Ravens Best Bet: UNDER 45 total points (-110)