Written By: The PersianThe Dallas Cowboys get set to clash against the new-look Los Angeles Chargers when the two teams meet to close out the NFL preseason on Saturday night inside the famed AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They kick it off at 4:00 pm for a late afternoon affair.
Bookmaker has installed the Cowboys as a slim - 3 1/2 point favorite in this clash.
The Cowboys are gearing up for their regular season opener and would love to clean up some things, but they would also love to see their star wide receiver have a new deal done and in place. Star wideout Ceedee Lamb, who is deserving of a new contract but has yet to get one. He had a monster season for the Cowboys in 2023 and wants to get paid.
The Cowboys are hoping to get a deal done soon, but do not expect their starters to get many snaps in this one. Dallas has struggled on offense in their last two preseason games, averaging just under 19 a game. They also have not had starting QB Dak Prescott taking any snaps and have turned the offense over to backups. Trey Lance is trying to secure the backup quarterback role and will get some series against the Chargers.
Dallas should be able to run the ball and put up at least 17 points in this one. They only mustered 294 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders in a 27-12 win in week 2 of the preseason. Defensively, they played well and limited the Raiders to 68 yards of rushing. Dallas averaged close to 29 points a game last season, while the defense gave up just 18 a contest.
The Chargers are in the midst of a rebuild, and they know that. They brought in a massive name in head coach Jim Harbaugh, who brings a wealth of guts and experience to the team. They have had some disappointing seasons and ends to their season, and the veteran head coach is hoping to turn the tide of the franchise around.
Harbaugh inherits a team that finished 2023 with a dismal 5-12 record, which saw them get blown out and have some significant defensive lapses late in games. They surrendered 23 a game and barely scored 20 a contest.
They also had too much inconsistent play on both sides of the ball, and the offense struggled to move the ball efficiently. They are 0-2 in the preseason, but their defense has played much better over the last two games, and they are hoping they can take that success into the regular season.
They should be able to force some turnovers in this one and look for them to get after the QB.
Dallas' win total for 2024 sits at 10, which means the oddsmakers believe they are poised for a nice season. Their odds to win the NFC East are currently sitting at + 175, with the Philadelphia Eagles having the best odds to claim the division at -140. The Chargers are not expected to do much this season, and their win total is 8 1/2, which does seem high. Their odds to win the AFC West are +290, while the Kansas City Chiefs have the shortest odds in the division at -270.
