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Sports Interaction Staff
Cowboys vs. Rams Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
The Cowboys overhauled their coaching staff in the off-season, hiring veteran coach Mike McCarthy to lead the team. The Cowboys are favoured by a field goal on the NFL odds with a total of 51.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
A sea of empty seats is probably not how the Rams imagined opening their new stadium, but a coach like Sean McVay probably won’t even notice. LA comes into this game 0-7-1 ATS in their last eight games as a home underdog, while the Cowboys are 0-4-1 in their last five games as a road favourite of 0.5 to 3.
The only time these teams met last season resulted in a dominating 44-21 Cowboys win at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Dak Prescott threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while Ezekiel Elliott ran for 117 yards and two TDs. For the Rams Jared Goff threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns, while the since-released Todd Gurley was held to 20 rushing yards and one TD.
The over is 6-1 in the Cowboys last seven games against NFC opponents.
Dallas Cowboys
It was an off-season of coaching change with Mike McCarthy being installed as the new head coach. It will be interesting to see the Cowboys’ adjustments as the game goes on as three new Dallas coaches were on the Rams staff last season. There are questions regarding the O-line after losing Travis Frederick to retirement and La’el Collins to the IR. Tyron Smith and Zack Martin are still formidable, but the right side is weak and could see Aaron Donald take advantage of that weakness. The offense should roll this year. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is one of the few returning coaches, which gives QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliott and WR Amari Cooper familiarity and the ability to get rolling right away.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are relatively healthy and want to open their new stadium the right way, with a statement win. With no pre season and limited training camp reps, there is bound to be some growing pains for new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Look for Aaron Donald to step up against a weaker Dallas O-line. The effectiveness of the Rams O-line is questionable heading into Week 1 so McVay may elect to go with a run-heavy offense and relive pressure off Goff. Running back Malcolm Brown could be poised to have a breakout game and season.
DAL
LAR