Simulation Picks
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Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
Expert Picks
The action has been all over the Rams on Sunday, and perhaps the public side has yet to come in for the Cowboys. I had this game as a pick 'em all along, so now that it has come down for Dallas, it's time to hop on. The offensive lines of both teams concern me in this game, and with defensive pressure expected on both sides, I will put my trust in Dak Prescott over Jared Goff. While rookie Cam Akers fills L.A.'s biggest need, rookie CeeDee Lamb is going to stretch the field and create even more room for Ezekiel Elliott. I also like a sprinkle on the over, but I'll roll with Mike McCarthy leading the Cowboys to a big win in his first game with the whistle.
My model says the Rams cover well over 50 percent of the time, so you're getting strong value with L.A. at this number. We all know the Rams love to throw the ball, and they'll be facing a Dallas team that ranked 20th in pass defense rating (91.9) and 25th in completion percentage (65.0). I love L.A.
The Cowboys led the league in total offense last year (431.5 ypg), and I think Mike McCarthy will turn all of that talent into better than 8-8. I also like Dallas' new defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan. The Rams lost a lot of key pieces, and Jared Goff could turn it over even more this season. Lay the points.
The Cowboys ran all over the Rams in their Week 15 meeting last year, but Dallas of course is under new stewardship this season. With no preseason, I think it's going to take teams with new coaches time to find their footing, and I love getting a home 'dog of a field goal going against one here. It's not like Sean McVay's team tanked last season, finishing with a 9-7 record. Their defense has the talent in the secondary to handle the Cowboys' weapons in the passing game, so as long as McVay can scheme something up on offense -- and the Rams have scored 30-plus in all three of his season openers -- they should get the win here.