NFL Preseason: Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders Total Pick

NFL Preseason – Dallas Cowboys at Las Vegas Raiders
Where: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
When: Saturday, August 17 at 10:00 PM EST
Watch: NFL Network

An inter-conference preseason matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders is set to take place this Saturday evening at Allegiant Stadium. Both teams are coming into this contest after narrowly losing their preseason openers by just one point. Dallas fell short in a 13-12 loss to the Rams, while the Raiders saw a first-half lead dwindle in a 24-23 loss to the Vikings. As the preseason progresses, the positional battles intensify, and gameplans expand to simulate meaningful football. There should be an uptick in snaps played for starting-caliber players, but in the second of three games, the majority of the workload will remain with depth pieces as teams try desperately to avoid injuries. This game has a few intriguing storylines that, depending how they play out, will be critically impactful to the outcome on Saturday night.

Dallas

The Cowboys comes into the 2024 league year with the same lofty expectations as always: win the Super Bowl. This is a franchise that in recent memory, cannot seem to execute at their highest level when it matters most. The 2023 season saw the Cowboys finish with a 12-5 record, followed by an unexpected loss to the Packers in the playoffs, allowing a whopping 48 points. The Dallas defensive unit chose the worst game possible to fall apart, especially after their consistency throughout the regular season and their prolific ability to force turnovers. The defense is poised for another strong season in 2024, led by superstar edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence and ballhawk corner Trevon Diggs. Dallas has beefed up their interior defensive line, secondary and linebacking core through a combination of draft picks and veteran signings, most notably Eric Kendricks. The offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, is facing some internal turmoil as they work through the preseason without their best offensive weapon, Ceedee Lamb. Lamb is currently holding out of the preseason program as he attempts to gain a contract extension. Coming off of a 135-reception, 1749-yard campaign in 2023, there is no doubt that he is worth whatever he is asking. Jerry Jones may not see it that way. As the stalemate continues, the Cowboys will need to work through their progressions without Lamb. A familiar face in Ezekiel Elliott has returned to the backfield and will likely split first-team reps with Rico Dowdle.

BET SMARTER THIS SEASON! WAGER ON GAMES AT -105 INSTEAD OF -110 AT BAS!

Las Vegas

The Raiders had an up-and-down 2023 season, finishing just below .500 at 8-9. Just around mid-season, Vegas found a surge of energy behind then interim head coach Antonio Pierce, as his title was elevated after the decision to move on from Josh McDaniels. Pierce returns in 2024 with the official head coach title and hopes to build on the momentum created last season. Las Vegas bolstered their defensive line by bringing in Christian Wilkins in free agency and pairing him with Maxx Crosby, who has recorded 14.5 and 12.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons. There are not a lot of household names in their linebacking and secondary groups, so coaches will likely be assessing scheme fit and proficiency in these preseason games. On the offensive side of the ball, wide receivers Devante Adams and Jakobi Meyers pair up with recently drafted Brock Bowers, a tight end from the University of Georgia. Bowers brings a dynamic element to this offense that was missing last season. Free agency also saw the Raiders lose running back Josh Jacobs to the Packers leaving a heavy workload to Zamir White and Alexander Mattison. The biggest question mark for the Raiders is who will be under center in week one. The quarterback battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell will be key to watch in this matchup. The starting job is up for grabs, but who will make the most of their opportunities?

My Pick: Total Under 39.5 (-115)

Let’s face it: overall roster depth is a concern for both Dallas and Las Vegas. We may see some additional playing time for starters, but I still expect it to be quite limited and likely not exceed one or two series. With a lack of real talent deeper in positional groups, namely running back and wide receiver, this matchup should see points come at a premium. The game will feature four quarterbacks who have varying levels of NFL playing experience, but moving the ball will be tough with the expected pressure from both defensive lines. Offensive line play has been shaky for both squads, and the plug-and-play preseason style allows coaches to find the right combination but doesn’t usually lead to high levels of execution in-game. Dallas was held out of the endzone last week, and the Raiders lacked consistency between halves. This game total is one of the highest in any game this weekend, but I just don’t see it. Take the under.