On Sunday we see Cowboys vs. Rams at SoFi Stadium in NFL action. The teams both start their preseason with a game that is unlikely to see either team’s starting QB. That gives us an opportunity to study the depth charts and make an interesting pick for the game.
Don’t miss my Cowboys vs. Rams predictions and NFL picks for August 11.
Cowboys vs Rams prediction
My best bet
Cowboys -0.5 1Q (+114 at DraftKings)
My analysis
It’s challenging to make a pick for Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams with a lack of information available around how much we’ll see from the starters, but a look at both head coaches’ records shows that Mike McCarthy’s 31-32 preseason record is far better than that of Sean McVay, who is just 7-14 in preseason.
We saw Dak Prescott held out of practice on Friday. It was only precautionary due to ankle soreness following the joint practice between the two teams on Thursday. Given the importance of Prescott to the Cowboys’ hopes this season, you’d have to assume that he’ll be held out of Sunday’s game. That means plenty of Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Rush is second on the depth chart and the likely starter has generally performed well when called upon by the Cowboys. He’s had six starts for the team, going 5-1 in that timeframe, although the most recent of those was a 4-1 run as starter back in 2022. He might not be spectacular but he’s capable, especially if he is paired with a reasonable amount of the team’s first-string offense.
For the Rams, we’re going to see a lot of Stetson Bennett this preseason. Matt Stafford will likely be rested, meaning the Rams need to look down their depth chart. Despite having Jimmy Garoppolo, he’s not expected to take any part in preseason given that he’s suspended for the first two games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
There is the caveat that Garoppolo might play, should he request to do so, but in all likelihood he won’t. Not only that, but McVay has said he wants to give Bennett “a bunch of work.” That’s especially important given that he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list in September last season and needs game time.
This will be Stetson’s first live reps since the final game of last year’s preseason against the Broncos, a game in which he got picked off three times. There’s going to be a lot of rustiness to his game and facing a good Cowboys’ defense isn’t going to be the easiest return to playing for him. With that in mind, I’m backing the Cowboys to get off to a good start.
Cowboys vs Rams odds
Cowboys vs Rams live odds
Cowboys vs Rams opening odds
- Spread: Dallas -4.5 (-110) | Los Angeles +4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Dallas -210 | Los Angeles +175
- Over/Under: Over 35 (-110) | Under 35 (-110)
Cowboys vs Rams betting trend to know
Sean McVay has never had a winning preseason in seven seasons as the Rams’ head coach. Find more NFL betting trends for Cowboys vs. Rams.
Cowboys vs Rams game info
| Location: | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA |
| Date: | Sunday, August 11, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NFL+ |
Cowboys vs Rams weather
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