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NFL Preseason Odds & Expert Pick: Week 1 Dallas at L.A. Rams

Written by on August 10, 2017

NFL News and Betting Previews| Xbet.ag
Dallas enters the second game of their preseason having the momentum of a big comeback win over Arizona in the Hall of Fame Game, as they roared back from an early 15-0 deficit to win the game, 20-18. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott sat on the sidelines, as did Dez Bryant, while the Cowboy reserves led the rally. They take on a Rams team that has plenty of questions to answer. Will the arrival of Wade Phillips make a decent defense even stronger? Will the offensive line be able to protect Jared Goff long enough to get passes down the field? Will Todd Gurley rebound after a down year carrying the ball? The Cowboys head into this preseason game as favorites against the Rams. Let’s take closer look at this NFL Preseason matchup for Saturday night.

NFL Preseason Odds & Expert Pick: Week 1 Dallas at L.A. Rams

When: Saturday, August 12, 2017, 9:00 PM ET Where: L.A. Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles TV: NFL Network Radio: 105.3 FM The Fan (Dallas) / KSPN 710 AM (LA) Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Preseason Odds: Dallas -2½

Why should you bet on the Cowboys?

Dallas showed a lot of depth in their win last week, as their offensive line reserves really didn’t show much dropoff in terms of opening holes for the running game and protecting the passer. Backup quarterback Kellen Moore looked impressive, going 12 for 17 with 182 yards and a score. Tailback Rod Smith showed that the team can live without Elliott for a couple of weeks if he gets suspended, as he piled up 64 yards on 18 attempts. Tight end Rico Gathers — who played basketball (but not football) at Baylor — scored a touchdown in that game and shows promise with his blocking and his catching.

Have the Cowboys Received Any Injuries Recently?

Rookies Ryan Switzer and Jourdan Lewis missed the Hall of Fame Game with injuries and should make their preseason debut on Saturday night, along with left tackle Tyron Smith. The questions for Dallas are really on the defensive side of the field, as it remains to be seen whether this collection of young players and former reserves can coalesce into a fine defense. Blaine Gabbert, of all people, led the Cardinals to two early quick scoring drives in the first quarter, building up that 15-0 lead, before the reserves further down the depth charts appeared in the contest.

Why should you put your money on the Rams?

Los Angeles comes in with a new head coach (Sean McVay) and Phillips leading the defense. Hopefully this change at the top will bring better fortunes for Goff and Gurley. Neither of these starters is likely to play much against the Cowboys. Look for backup Sean Mannion to spend a lot of time leading the offense — he was the hero last year, when the Rams beat the Cowboys, 28-24, in Week 1 of last year’s preseason, throwing three touchdown passes. The switch of Jamon Brown to guard and Rob Havenstein to tackle should bring some changes to the Rams’ O-line.

But Will They Be the Right kind of changes?

One possible problem for the Rams could include a lack of depth on the defensive line, as Aaron Donald continues to hold out for a contract and Dominique Easley blew out his ACL. Ethan Westbrooks and Louis Trinca-Pasat will take their spots, but it will be interesting to see how well they can manage going up against that Cowboy defensive line.

Dallas vs LA Rams Game History

  • Total Meetings: 32
  • First Meeting: November 6th, 1960. Cotton Bowl. Dallas, Texas.
  • Last Meeting: September 21st, 2014. Edward Jones Dome.
  • All-Time Series: Dallas 17-15-0
  • Largest Margin of Victory: Dallas 37-7 (1976)
  • Longest Win Streak: Dallas 3 (2011-2014)
  • Current Win Streak: Dallas 3 (2011-2014)

Expert NFL Preseason Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Cowboys seemed to get a lot of their kinks out last week against the Cardinals, finding ways to shut some holes on defense and keep the Cardinals in check offensively. The Rams don’t have the offensive talent that Arizona has, at least not yet, and in this battle of reserves I like Dallas to use their line to establish and maintain momentum. I predict a final score of Dallas 24, Los Angeles 16.
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