Cowboys vs. Raiders Preseason Prediction | NFL Picks Today, Best Bets
Paul Connor
Host · Writer
The Las Vegas Raiders host the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 17, as Week 2 of the NFL‘s preseason rolls on
Here is everything you need to know, plus our top picks for the game!
Where to Watch Cowboys vs. Raiders
- Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
- Time: 10:01 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: NFL Network
- Spread: Raiders -7 | Moneyline: Raiders -310 | Total: 39.5
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Cowboys vs. Raiders Best Bet ATS: Cowboys +7 (-115)
The Cowboys are rolling in as seven-point underdogs, which feels like a wide margin for a preseason matchup. Both teams are expected to rest key starters and focus on position battles and depth. Dallas has a history of keeping preseason games tight, as we saw in their narrow one-point loss to the Rams last week. Given the unpredictability of preseason football, grabbing the Cowboys to cover feels like a smart bet.
Cowboys vs. Raiders Best Bet Total: UNDER 39.5
Saturday’s total sits at a surprisingly high 39.5. Dallas failed to find the endzone in its preseason opener, while the Raiders’ offense fizzled out in the second half of their loss to the Minnesota Vikings. With both teams relying on backups, scoring may come at a premium. Give me the under.
Cowboys Offensive Player to Watch: Trey Lance
Trey Lance’s much-anticipated Cowboys debut last week didn’t exactly turn heads. Lance played most of the game, completing 25-of-41 passes for 188 yards, struggling to push the ball downfield. However, he did flash his athleticism with 44 rushing yards on six carries. The big question for Week 2: Can he take that next step and show why he was once a top-three pick?
Cowboys Defensive Player to Watch: Mazi Smith
After a tough rookie season, Mazi Smith flashed some of his potential in the preseason opener, anchoring the middle and disrupting the run game. Though he didn’t stuff the stat sheet, his impact was noticeable. Week 2 offers the 2023 first-rounder another chance to prove he can be a consistent presence on the Cowboys’ defensive line.
Raiders Offensive Player to Watch: QB Gardner Minshew
Battling Aidan O’Connell for the Raiders starting quarterback job, Garnder Minshew is scheduled to start Saturday’s contest. Minshew and O’Connell played well last week and are each expected to play about a quarter. Will Minshew Mania ultimately win out?
Raiders Defensive Player to Watch: Nesta Jade Silvera
A seventh-round draft pick last season, Silvera is fighting for a roster spot, with the backup role at defensive tackle up for grabs. The 24-year-old was solid last week in Minnesota and will be looking to build on that effort.
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