The Dallas Cowboys secured the NFC East title in 2023 with a 12-5 record for the third year in a row, but their 7-10 finish last season led to the firing of head coach Mike McCarthy by owner Jerry Jones. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was promoted to head coach in January but has struggled so far, with the team winning only three of their first nine games in the 2025 season. Currently at 3-5-1, the Cowboys need to improve quickly if they want a playoff spot, starting with their Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, who themselves are 2-7 and on a three-game losing streak under first-year head coach Pete Carroll. Both teams are looking to break out of recent losing trends.
The NBA features eight games on Sunday, notably the Milwaukee Bucks (8-6) facing the Cleveland Cavaliers (9-5) at 7 p.m. ET, with Milwaukee aiming to avenge a close loss to Cleveland from last month. The NHL has six games on the docket, including the Edmonton Oilers (9-7-4) continuing their seven-game road trip against the Buffalo Sabers (6-8-4) at 7 p.m. ET. Edmonton has won two overtime games early in the trip, while Buffalo ended a five-game losing streak with an overtime victory. College basketball has over 30 games scheduled, including Tennessee Tech versus West Georgia in Tennessee at 7 p.m. ET, with both teams recently earning wins.
The Cowboys are favored by 3.5 points over the Raiders, while the Cavaliers are 7.5 point favorites versus the Bucks. The Oilers hold a -161 moneyline favorite status against the Sabers, and Tennessee Tech is favored by 3.5 points over West Georgia.
Game viewing info and betting recommendations for Monday, November 17th:
NFL: Raiders vs. Cowboys
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Paradise, Nevada
TV: ABC, ESPN
Stream: Fubo (free trial)
Prediction: Cowboys to win by a narrow margin; pick includes George Pickens over 64.5 receiving yards.
NBA: Cavaliers vs. Bucks
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Cleveland
TV: Peacock
Stream: Fubo (free trial)
Prediction: Cavaliers favored by 7.5 points; Jarrett Allen over 8.5 rebounds.
NHL: Sabers vs. Oilers
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Buffalo
TV: ESPN+
Stream: Fubo (free trial)
Prediction: Game expected to have fewer than 6.5 goals; Sabers to cover the spread.
College Basketball: West Georgia vs. Tennessee Tech
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Cookeville, Tennessee
TV: ESPN+
Stream: Fubo (free trial)
Prediction: Under 152.5 points expected; Tennessee Tech favored.
Fan Take: Hockey fans should keep an eye on the Sabers vs. Oilers matchup, as it highlights the intensity of an NHL team enduring a challenging road trip and a team seeking to build momentum after breaking a losing streak. Games like these can significantly affect playoff dreams and player confidence, underscoring the importance of each contest in a tightly contested season.
