Make no mistake about it, this is a big game for the NFC East. While the Dallas Cowboys are still the leaders of the division, they can't afford to turn December into a more interesting month than it should be.

Instead, facing a Washington team that's won four straight is the perfect opportunity to make a statement. Here's how we're betting a critical Cowboys-Washington game in Week 14!

The odds

• Spread: Dallas Cowboys -4.5
• Moneyline: Cowboys -210 / Washington Football Team +175
• Total: 48

Public betting: Sharps backing the Dallas Cowboys?

Per Action Network, 57% of bets are on the road team for this NFC East match-up. What's really a surprise, though, is that 76% of the money is on the Cowboys (+19% difference). Perhaps sharps see America's Team as an undervalued favorite after a tough November.

The betting spread has been moving a lot throughout the week, hitting a high of 5.5 and a low of 3.5 before settling in around 4.

Trends

• Cowboys are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC
• Under is 5-1 in Cowboys' last 6 games.
• Under is 6-1 in Washington's last 7 games.
• Washington is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

The pick: Backing the Cowboys 10th Cover

The Dallas Cowboys are 9-3 against the spread this season and even though I don't like betting trends, I see value in this number.

This is not only about backing the Cowboys, but also about fading Washington after its four-game winning streak. Although they deserve credit, a lot of it is likely not sustainable. They've become one of the best third-down defenses in the NFL, Taylor Heinicke is completing a high rate of passes while pressured, and their defense has had tremendous success on third down.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are getting a couple of big-time players for their defensive front. They're already Top 5 in the league in pressure rate, and getting Randy Gregory and Neville Gallimore should help them continue that trend.

There are some valid concerns regarding the Cowboys' run game as Tony Pollard is not expected to play on Sunday. However, Kellen Moore's unit should come into this game with a pass-heavy approach as they take on the 30th pass defense in the NFL.

On my show A to Z Sports Dallas Primetime on Thursday, we took the Cowboys -4, but now the spread is at -4.5. I'm still laying the points. I don't believe in buying half-points when it comes to a four-point betting spread, so we'll take the current spread here.

The bet: Dallas Cowboys -4.5

Season bets: 6-6

Odds via DraftKings

Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports