Bettors banking on Cowboys

When the stakes are highest, the quarterbacks typically get most of the credit or criticism. But running back DeMarco Murray is the main reason the Dallas Cowboys are back in the postseason for the first time in five years.

Murray, a Bishop Gorman High School product, led the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards, and his ground assault set up quarterback Tony Romo to succeed.

In a big surprise, the Cowboys (12-4) won the NFC East and paid off their backers in the process by going 10-6 against the spread, including 4-0 in December. So it stands to reason that a majority of bettors will be running to the windows today to get down on Dallas in the final wild-card playoff game.

The Cowboys are 6½-point home favorites over the Detroit Lions at most books, though the Westgate Las Vegas was at 7 on Saturday night. Bookmakers are expecting a major decision on the game and probably will need the Lions to cover.

“Almost everything will be Dallas on teasers, on the money line and on the point spread,” Westgate sports book manager Ed Salmons said. “It’s the last game of the weekend, so it creates this massive liability, and you get scared about how much money you could lose.”

The game could be decided by Murray’s success or lack of it on the ground. Detroit’s defense ranks No. 1 in the league against the run, allowing 69.3 yards per game. The Lions got a boost when defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was reinstated. Suh’s one-game suspension for stepping on Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers last week was overturned.

Still, Romo and Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford will be under the hottest spotlights. Romo was rejuvenated this season, but it will mean little if he fades in the playoffs, where his career record is 1-3. Stafford is a career underachiever for the Lions, who have not won a playoff game since 1991.

“Every time I see the Lions on the road against a good team, they lose,” Salmons said. “That’s a team I’ve never understood. The Lions should be so much better.”

The Detroit-Dallas total is 49, and with several high-profile players on high-scoring offenses, it figures to be the best game of the weekend for proposition wagering.

The winner advances to play the Packers, who will be solid favorites in the NFC divisional round.

“I think the line is going to be less than 7, mostly because of the perception that Rodgers is hurt,” Salmons said. “Depending on how Dallas looks, it could be as low as 4½. I think Green Bay is better than Dallas.”

The Colts crushed Cincinnati when the teams met in Indianapolis on Oct. 19. Andrew Luck passed for 344 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-0 victory over the Bengals, who had just eight first downs.

Indianapolis, a 3½-point favorite in today’s AFC game, has been a steady money maker for bettors at 10-5-1 ATS. Luck appears to get the edge against Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton, who is criticized for his 0-3 record in the playoffs.

“The public loves the Colts,” Salmons said. “When you look at the Bengals, that team has so many weapons, it’s crazy. But I just think their coaching is really bad.”

The Bengals will be short one big-play weapon, however, as wide receiver A.J. Green will miss the game while recovering from a concussion.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.