Cowboy vs. Chargers Prediction
The Cowboys looked rough in their preseason debut last Saturday in Denver, where they lost 17-7 to the Broncos.
Will they rebound with a win or a cover as a 4.5-point underdog tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET when they take on the Chargers in L.A.?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
423 Dallas Cowboys (+4.5) at 424 Los Angeles Chargers (-4.5); o/u 37.5
10:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 20, 2022
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Cowboys vs. Chargers Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 83% of public bettors are currently backing the Chargers when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Dallas Cowboys DFS Spin
The Athletic’s Bob Sturm believes that RB Ezekiel Elliott is entering his final season with the Cowboys. Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy went on record in July calling Elliott a “keystone” player for the Cowboys, and owner Jerry Jones has said that Zeke “has to be the focus” in the run game this season. So the team appears fully behind a bounce-back season for the former No. 4 overall pick. However, Elliott is entering his age-27 season and is attempting to bounce back from an injury-marred 2021. Even if Elliott can recapture some of his previous burst, Sturm notes that he is due nearly $17 million in 2023. The Cowboys can save nearly $11 million against the cap in 2023 if they trade or cut Elliott. Tony Pollard lurks as a more explosive runner and receiver; it’s possible the Cowboys test Pollard in a larger role at some point, given that the 25-year-old is set to hit unrestricted free agency after the season. Ultimately, though, Elliott’s 2023 standing may not impact his 2022 workload, particularly if the Cowboys are in position to make a playoff run, as expected.
Los Angeles Chargers DFS Spin
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper reports that RB Joshua Kelley appears to be “firmly in the lead” to backup Austin Ekeler. Kelley started the Chargers’ preseason game against the Rams and totaled 44 yards on six touches. Popper reports that in Tuesday’s practice, Kelley continued to lead Larry Rountree and Isaiah Spiller—the other two backs competing with him—in first-team reps. “Kelley was the first running back to catch a pass in seven-on-seven. He was the first running back on the field in the opening 11-on-11 period. He got the second carry, behind Ekeler, in the second 11-on-11 period, taking a pitch up the middle on a second down. And Kelley carried out of shotgun on the opening rep of the red zone 11-on-11 period.” After the Chargers drafted Isaiah Spiller in the fourth round, he was widely assumed to be the favorite to win the backup job, settling into an early double-digit round ADP. However, to begin the season at least, it appears that Kelley will be in that role. Spiller drafters should be prepared to play the long game.
Cowboys vs. Chargers Betting Trends
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings
Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings
Cowboys vs. Chargers Prediction:
The Cowboys were sloppy a week ago in Denver and it’s all the media could talk about this week. I firmly believe the negative media attention is one of the reasons why public bettors are backing the Chargers at a high rate tonight, outside of the fact that football fans just love Justin Herbert. Nonetheless, I see this as a good spot to back the Cowboys, as 4.5 points is significant in preseason action. I don’t know what Mike McCarthy does in Dallas but he’s not the total buffoon everyone makes him out to be and I actually think the Cowboys will be more disciplined, more focus and play with a little more urgency (at least for a preseason game) tonight.
NFL PRESEASON PREDICTION: DALLAS COWBOYS +4.5