The Dallas Cowboys will enter hostile territory for tomorrow’s Christmas Showdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Dallas enters as the visiting team, but that does not mean they do not have the support of many watching from home.

All ESPN analysts and experts picked the Cowboys to take down Arizona tomorrow and improve their record to 6-9. The Cardinals sit at 4-10 and are currently led by little-known rookie quarterback John Skelton. Look for the Dallas defense to bring the pressure and force the youngster into mistakes early and often.

If all goes as expected, the Dallas Cowboys will be giving fans the gift of victory.

ESPN experts submitted their picks for today’s Dallas Cowboys vs. Indianapolis Colts game. Much to my surprise, a majority of the analysts picked Dallas to win the game. This is one of the first time’s since week four or so that Dallas has ha most of the picks from the ESPN group. It doesn’t mean much for the outcome of the game, but it does show that the likes of Eric Allen, Mike Golic, Merill Hodge, Chris Mortensen, and Mark Schlereth are noticing the improvement the team has made under Jason Garrett. That coupled with the fact that Peyton Manning and the Colts are struggling lately gives Dallas a real shot at victory.

Of the eight analysts, accuscore predition, and fan picks, the Giants were selected to defeat Dallas every time.

Sure, Dallas is struggling and Jason Garrett will enter the game for the first time as a head coach, but it seems like people are sleeping on the Cowboys. Garrett will bring a renewed sense of focus and intensity to the ailing Dallas squad. Will he really throw up a stinker of a game in his first appearance?

You also have to believe that the players will be giving this game their all. They were embarrassed at home just three weeks ago by New York, and this is the team that knocked their starting quarterback out for eight weeks. As if a 1-7 record wasn’t enough motivation, there is the underlying theme of redemption.

It’s surprising that not one single analyst picked Dallas to earn the W, but maybe it is a blessing. This team felt entitled to start the season and had way too much hype to live up to. Perhaps the underdog role will be just what this team needs to light a fire under them.