NFL Betting picks for October 16, 2011

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) vs. New England Patriots (4-1)
4:15 PM ET, October 16, Gillette Stadium.

The Cowboys travel up North to face the Patriots in one of the most highly anticipated games of the week. The Cowboys are eager just to get back on the field after the 34-30 loss against the Lions that preceded their bye week. The Cowboys blew a 24-point third-quarter lead against the Lions and it cost them and now they face another tough test.

Felix Jones was able to rest a nagging injury over the bye and he should be able to handle a ton of carries if necessary. Tony Romo will also feel better with the extra week to rest his injured ribs. The Cowboys defense will struggle to contain Tom Brady, which means that Romo and the offense will have to try and keep up.

The Patriots have put their loss against the Bills behind them, they bounced back strong against the Raiders before returning home to beat Jets. The Patriots defense is still a work in progress but their offense is firing on all cylinders, with Brady leading the NFL with 1874 passing yards. The Cowboys had an extra week to prepare for this game but they won't be able to stop or keep up with the Patriots offense on the road.

Oddsbay Premium Selection: Patriots -6 (-110)