Dallas Cowboys (12-5 Last season) vs. Los Angeles Rams (10-7 Last season)
The NFL preseason kicks off with an intriguing clash as the Dallas Cowboys, with a commendable 12-5 record last season, face the Los Angeles Rams, who posted a 10-7 mark. Scheduled for August 11, 2024, at the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium, this game is not just a curtain-raiser but a potential predictor of the form and strategy adjustments both teams have made in the off-season. As football expert picks start to roll in, all eyes will be on how these two playoff contenders from last season will utilize this preseason game to fine-tune their squads.
The offensive potency of the Cowboys was given a huge lift last season due to outstanding displays in both the passing and running game. Dak Prescott, who led from the front, completed 69.5% of his passes and accumulated 4,516 yards with 36 TDs. This workhorse-thrower was backed by a ground attack that wasn’t eye-popping but managed to see Rico Dowdle exploit his chances, ending up running for 361 yards on 89 carries giving the team solid change-of-pace options as needed. However, CeeDee Lamb stole the show with his league leading 135 catches and 1,749 yards receiving.
On their part, the Rams put on display an offensive plan that was well balanced. Matthew Stafford still threw for 3,965e yards and 24 touchdowns despite having a slightly lower completion rate of 62.6%. The Rams got their real breakthrough in rushing courtesy of Kyren Williams though. Additionally, this versatile playmaker had 228 attempts for 1,144 yards thus providing the Rams with a tough carrying option at average of over five yards per carry throughout the year. Then there is Puka Nacua who proved dependable as a receiver going for 1,486 yards on only one hundred and five grabs.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Info
| When: | Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 4:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| TV: | NFLN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Dak Prescott QB vs. Matthew Stafford QB
Last season, Dak Prescott impressed with 410 completions out of 590 passing attempts that resulted in 4,516 passing yards and 36 touchdowns against only 9 interceptions. A passer rating of 105.9 reveals how well he runs the offense and controls games, hence one of the key players for Dallas. Prescott’s ability to execute when under pressure has been a bedrock of the Cowboys’ offensive plan as he has delivered the ball accurately to various targets.
Matthew Stafford on his part can be said to have had a great season with the Rams although not as remarkable as that of Prescott. In this case, he made 326 catches out of his attempted throws which were 521; resulting in a total yardage of 3,965 through which he had thrown out 24 touchdown passes opposite to eleven interceptions. This is where his experience and resilience as an old quarterback will prove valuable since their rookies are coming into preseason games together with new ways they want to play.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Dallas Cowboys -190, Total 34
The betting odds favor the Cowboys slightly in terms of moneyline at -190, with the game total opening at 34 points. The spread sets the Cowboys as 3-point favorites, reflecting their robust finish last season and potentially more stable quarterback play.
Dallas Cowboys Betting Trends
The Cowboys have shown some inconsistency against the spread, going 1-4 in their last five games. However, they have a strong head-to-head record against the Rams, winning 4 out of their last 5 encounters. The trend towards low-scoring games on the road could influence betting strategies, with the total going UNDER in 10 of their last 14 away games.
Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends
Conversely, the Rams have been strong against the spread, going 7-1 in their last 8 games. They’ve also had a solid run at home, winning 5 of their last 6. The total has varied, going OVER in 6 of their last 8 games, but interestingly, it has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 home games against Dallas, suggesting a tight defensive battle might be on the cards.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams 8/11/24 Betting Picks
Given the preseason context, where results are notoriously hard to predict due to varying levels of engagement from key players, this game presents a unique challenge for bettors. The Cowboys’ slightly better offensive line-up and the Rams’ strong home record balance the scales somewhat.
For those looking at prop bets, considering individual performances like Prescott’s passing yards or Williams’ rushing yards might offer value. The over/under presents a conundrum; however, given both teams’ recent trends, leaning towards UNDER might be prudent, especially in a preseason context where starters often play limited snaps. For the best experience and more insights, keep an eye on top live betting websites that offer real-time analytics and betting odds.
