The Dallas Cowboys take a trip out to LA to face the Chargers in an intriguing Week 2 matchup on Sunday. The Cowboys had an impressive showing in their season opener, where they battled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers down to the wire as nine-point underdogs.
Dak Prescott threw for 403 yards and looked like the old Dak before his injury last season. As for the LA Chargers are coming off a 20-16 road win against the Washington Football Team. It’s time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Cowboys-Chargers prediction and pick.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday’s matchup:
NFL Odds: Cowboys-Chargers odds
Cowboys +3.5 (-112)
Chargers -3.5 (-108)
Over 55.5 (-108)
Under 55.5 (-112)
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Why The Cowboys Could Cover The Spread
The Cowboys offense looked very impressive to open their season against a stout Tampa Bay defense. Dak Prescott was distributing the ball all over the field, throwing for three touchdowns and 403 yards. Receivers Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb each had 100+ receiving yards and a touchdown in the defeat. In Week one, Kellen Moore implemented a pass-heavy game plan, but expect him to feed Ezekiel Elliott more this upcoming game. Elliot shredded about ten pounds in the off-season and looks like he is in the best shape of his life.
Dallas brought in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, an instant upgrade over Mike Nolan, and should improve that side of the ball. Linebacker Micah Parsons will make an immediate impact on defense as well. Jayron Kearse leads the Cowboys with 11 tackles; Jourdan Lewis and Trevon Diggs each have one interception. As long as Dak can stay healthy, the Cowboys are in good hands this season. Dallas also has had extra time to prepare for this matchup after playing last Thursday.
The Cowboys are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall.
Why The Chargers Could Could Cover The Spread
Justin Herbert comes into this season as a top ten quarterback in the NFL. He has the size, arm strength, and skill to become one of the greats, which is why the Chargers decided to name him QB1 while getting rid of Tyrod Taylor before the start of the season. Herbert completed 66 percent of his passes in the season opener for 337 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams present a deadly duo that combined 182 receiving yards last game as newly acquired tight-end Jared Cook had five receptions for 56 yards. Austin Ekeler is a bit banged up, yet he gives the Chargers a significant boost in the offensive game plan when healthy.
Defensively, the Chargers have a 1-2 superstar duo in Joey Bosa and Derwin James. This defense held the Washington Football Team to 16 points total on 259 total yards. Granted, they injured Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Taylor Heinicke had to come in to replace him; however, the Chargers’ defense allowed them to convert just 3 of 10 3rd down conversions and forced a fumble as well. In the last five meetings between the Chargers and Cowboys, Dallas is 1-4 against the spread. Additionally, the Chargers are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games overall.
Final Cowboys-Chargers Prediction & Pick
The Chargers have a fun and high-scoring offense, but they have a history of having issues finishing games, and they were not all that convincing against a team that lost its starting quarterback. The Dallas Cowboys looked like a new team in the season opener, and some argue that they should have won. As mentioned previously, Dallas has had some extra time to prepare for this matchup. Take the Cowboys and the free field goal.
Final Pick: Cowboys +3.5 (-112)
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