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Raiders-Cowboys player props: 3 bets to the wind

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The internet was ablaze with Thanksgiving football nostalgia this week, but not for reasons pertaining to the games themselves. It was 20 years ago when the Cowboys faced the Broncos in their usual Thursday holiday spot, but it was the halftime performance that stole the show.

Two decades later, Dallas has finally found someone to fill the No. 11 jersey of Scott Stapp - first-round pick Micah Parsons. So, we'd be remiss if we didn't turn to polarizing late alt-rock band Creed for assistance in our trio of Thursday play props.

Taking it "Higher"

We came into this week 4-0 on our yardage plays.

With the injuries to the Cowboys, it's hard to predict usage relative to the potential game script.

On the Raiders side, whether it's a close game or not, Derek Carr will keep throwing. After Darren Waller's big game against the Bengals last week, you'd think the focal point for the Cowboys' defense would be to assign their best defensive back on Carr's favorite target.

More looks should go toward Bryan Edwards, who saw 83% of snaps last week but didn't see a target. However, with a better matchup, he should see the four targets per game he's accustomed to, and will hopefully haul them in "With Arms Wide Open."

Pick: Brian Edwards over 32.5 receiving yards

A TD that's definitely going to happen

There are a handful of Cowboys more likely to score a touchdown here, but "My Own Prison" is an unwillingness to bet something at a terrible value. Ezekiel Elliott (-163), CeeDee Lamb (-110), and Michael Gallup (+100) are all dependant on injury uncertainty, which doesn't equate to their price. "What If" Elliott or Lamb do or don't play? Dalton Schultz's usage shouldn't change from the tight end position, as he was on the field for 99% of the snaps last week, catching six passes from Dak Prescott. We'll see if he can get a look or two in the end zone and haul "One" in.

Pick: Dalton Schultz anytime touchdown (+160)

A TD that won't happen ... but maybe it does

I'm "Torn" between Cowboys No. 2 tight end Sean McKeon (+1200) for our long shot touchdown scorer and going to an old reliable concept - the quarterback rushing touchdown.

As someone with a lot invested in the Cowboys winning outright, "My Sacrifice" is to acknowledge that +1200 for Carr to score a touchdown is a pretty deal. One element is that he's without fullback Alec Ingold, which might mean Carr is likely to try a sneak should the Raiders find themselves on the Dallas 1-yard line.

Pick: Derek Carr anytime touchdown (+1200)

Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there’s a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.

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