NFL Preseason Predictions: Raiders-Cowboys total set too low? 8/26/17
Is the betting total for tonight’s Raiders and Cowboys preseason game set too low?
The Matchup: Raiders vs. Cowboys, 8:00PM ET, AT&T Stadium
According to oddsmakers, Dallas is a 3-point home favorite tonight against Oakland. As for the total, the number hit the board at 45 but has been bet down to 43.5.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders fell to 0-2 in preseason play with a 24-21 loss to the Rams last week. Starter Derek Carr played well, completing 7-of-9 passes for 100 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Backup Connor Cook relieved Carr and threw for 83 yards and a touchdown on 9-of-15 passing.
Jalen Richard, meanwhile, rushed three times for 18 yards while Amari Cooper paced the Raiders with three catches for 46 yards. Both Lee Smith and Johnny Holton found the end zone.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas improved to 2-1 this preseason with a 24-19 win over the Colts. Dak Prescott completed 7-of-8 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, while his backup Kellen Moore went 10-for-21 for 131 yards. Rookie Cooper Rush impressed by completing 8-of-9 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
Darren McFadden, who is set to start for the suspended Ezekiel Elliott, rushed nine times for 59 yards in the win. Dez Bryant also caught two passes for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Our Prediction
Both of these teams have some offensive firepower and neither like to play defense. The lack of multiple pass rushers will hurt these two teams, not only in preseason play, but also in the regular season. The over is one of my favorite plays on the board tonight in the NFL, as I think no matter which quarterback is under center, they’ll have success moving the ball. Hopefully the starters on each team lit it up in the first half and when the backups come in, they’ll keep the scoring going in the second.
NFL Preseason Prediction: Raiders/Cowboys over 43.5
