Thursday night wager: Washington piles on hapless Cowboys for road win

After a trio of games on Thanksgiving, the regular Thursday Night Football schedule returns this week with an NFC East matchup between the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys.

While most teams play on Thursdays just days after a usual Sunday contest, the Redskins and Cowboys have had a full week to prepare after their Thanksgiving tilts.

Here's the side to pick to get Week 13 started on a winning note.

The wager: Washington Redskins (+2) at Dallas Cowboys

Washington's win over the New York Giants last week was certainly underwhelming, but there's just no reason to pick the Ezekiel Elliott-less Cowboys at this point. Since losing the star running back to suspension, Dallas has scored a total of 22 points in three games. For those scoring at home, that's just over seven points per contest, not nearly enough to be competitive in the NFL.

The defense hasn't exactly stepped up in Elliott's absence either, allowing an average of 30 points per game without him keeping the offense on the field. With an offense that can put up points in bunches coming to town, that could be a major problem for the Cowboys.

Elliott ran wild for Dallas in a previous win over Washington this season, finishing with 150 yards and two touchdowns, but without his presence, the offense will struggle yet again. Look for Kirk Cousins to have a big day and Washington to get the win. Redskins 27, Cowboys 20

Thursday picks record: 8-4-1