Bodog Beat

This is the closest thing the NFL has to an unofficial halfway point. (AI Wire Image)

The trade deadline has come and gone with just one major move: WR Roy Williams went from Detroit to Dallas in an exchange for a package that includes a first-round pick in 2009. The Cowboys offense will be even more dangerous in the second half – if they ever get their players back. Their rapidly developing situation leads off our preview of Week 7.

Dallas at St. Louis (+7, 43.5)

• Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis
• 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX
• Dallas: 4-2 SU, 2-4 ATS, Over 4-2
• St. Louis: 1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS, Over 3-2

The Dallas roster looks like it was hit by a tornado. QB Tony Romo is expected to miss four weeks with a broken pinkie finger, although ESPN “reports” that Brett Favre says Romo might be able to play with a splint like Favre himself did in 2003. RB Felix Jones is out at least two weeks with a strained hamstring, and CB Adam Jones has been suspended following his latest off-field incident.

Losing three productive players is bad enough; the Joneses are also Dallas’ return specialists on punts and kicks. Considering the Cowboys had to put punter Mat McBriar on injured reserve after he was steamrolled by the Arizona Cardinals, it’s safe to say that what was already an underperforming Dallas special-teams unit is going to be even worse on Sunday.

The Cowboys are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games; the Rams are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 versus winning teams.

Tennessee at Kansas City (+8.5, 35.5)

• Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
• 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
• Clear, 62 degrees, light winds
• Tennessee: 5-0 SU, 5-0 ATS, Under 3-2
• Kansas City: 1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS, Under 3-2

The Titans are the last undefeated team in the league and the last team with a perfect ATS record. They’re using the old template of power running and defense, although the power game hasn’t been as solid this year with LenDale White getting just 2.6 yards per carry, down from 3.7 yards from 2007. The team is relatively healthy and coming off a bye week.

The Chiefs also had the week off, which gives LT Branden Albert’s dislocated elbow enough downtime for him to return to action. That’s a major plus for Kansas City and for QB Brodie Croyle, who is making his first appearance since separating his shoulder in Week 1. The Chiefs have been the worst offensive team in the league without two of their most important starters.

Bettors aren’t expecting much from the replenished K.C. offense. The Titans opened as 7-point favorites and have picked up steam along the way. This is despite Arrowhead Stadium’s special home-field magic; the Chiefs are 8-3 ATS at Arrowhead against winning teams.

Denver at New England (–3, 47.5)

• Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.
• Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
• Partly cloudy, 14% chance of rain, 49 degrees, light winds
• Denver: 4-2 SU, 1-4-1 ATS, Over 4-2
• New England: 3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS, Under 3-2

The Broncos have the No. 2-ranked offense in the league in terms of efficiency, and the No. 29-ranked defense. That’s a sure recipe for disaster. It’s also the formula for a strong "over" pick. New England’s defense has struggled overall this year, but especially against the pass, and Denver QB Jay Cutler is playing at an elite level with 12 touchdown passes, five interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating.

New England has injury concerns up and down the roster that might be getting lost in the Tom Brady soap opera. Tailbacks Laurence Maroney and LaMont Jordan are out, although this is a depth area for the Pats (as it was last year) with Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk. The offensive line, on the other hand, is offering horrible pass protection without RG Stephen Neal. They may also be without RT Nick Kaczur after he hurt his ankle in last week’s loss to the Chargers.

Neither team is spending much time at the bank these days. The Broncos are 7-22-1 ATS in their last 30 games, and the Pats are 2-9 in their last 11. Get all your NFL betting in the Bodog Sportsbook now.