Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview
When you have the lead with less than two minutes left, you expect to win. Unfortunately, the Cowboys left too much time on the clock for Tom Brady and the Buccaneers and went on to lose by two. The Chargers were also involved in a close game with the Washington Football Team; however, they were able to come out on top.
Cowboys Have to Find a Running Game
The Cowboys almost pulled off a solid upset to start Week 1. Dak Prescott played about the best football game anyone could have expected after coming back from an injury. The receivers were making big plays, and eight different receivers had more than one reception. Unfortunately, the Cowboys were never able to get their running game going, compiling 60 yards total.
This Cowboys team has some really nice pieces and could make a deep run in the postseason, but if Elliott can not produce a big run or two, secondaries will start doubling. On Thursday, Elliott looked like he was trying to do too much, which was never his style. Hopefully, he can get things going for Dallas in Week 2.
Defensively they were picked apart until the fourth quarter. They allowed at least a touchdown in each of the first three quarters. Dallas did do a nice job slowing down the running game of the Buccaneers, only allowing 52 rushing yards. Playing the Chargers this week, they will have another quarterback who is looking to pass first, so the secondary will need to be better.
Keeping the Momentum in Los Angeles
The Chargers would have obviously loved to score more in their season opener; however, they did enough and got the win. Justin Herbert, in his second year under center, was impressive again. He completed 31 of 47 passes for 337 yards and a touchdown.
The Chargers receiving core has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL if they can keep this play up. Keenan Allen had nine receptions for 100 yards. Mike Williams had eight receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Their tight end, Jared Cook, got in the mix as well with five receptions for 56 yards.
The defense played a solid game, even with Washington losing their starting quarterback in the first half. The Chargers held the Football Team to just 15 first downs in the whole game. They did give up a few big runs; however, they did not allow a rushing touchdown.
The Picks
The Los Angeles Chargers are -3 and the points total is set at 55.
The Chargers were able to not only win on Sunday, but they also covered the 2½ point spread, moving their record to 1-0 against the spread at home. They did not cover the over.
The Cowboys may have lost the game, but for bettors, they were able to cover the spread and also moved to 1-0 against the spread. This will be their first road game of the season, in 2020 they were 2-6 against the spread on the road.
Expect a better game out of Elliott in this game, as the Chargers have shown some weakness against opposing rushers. If he can get going, the Cowboys have a good chance to win this game outright.
Take the Cowboys +3 (+105) and under 55 (-110).
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