The 1-1 Dallas Cowboys host the winless Los Angeles Chargers at Jerry’s World in the NFL preseason finale for both teams on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on NFL Network. The Chargers' woes are understandable, given that Jim Harbaugh is trying to reestablish his footing in the professional football landscape, but can we expect more of these developmental woes in Week 3?
Let's preview the game and dive into my Cowboys vs. Chargers predictions for Saturday.
Cowboys vs Chargers Prediction
- Cowboys vs Chargers pick: Cowboys -3.5 (-115)
- Click here to bet the Cowboys to cover the spread instantly at FanDuel with QuickSlip! The bet is automatically added to your bet slip at FanDuel!
My Cowboys-Chargers pick is on Dallas to cover the spread (+3.5), which is available at Caesars according to our live NFL odds page.
Cowboys vs Chargers Odds
| Chargers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 33.5 -105o / -115u | +165 |
| Cowboys Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 33.5 -105o / -115u | -195 |
- Cowboys vs Chargers point spread: Cowboys -3.5 | Chargers +3.5
- Cowboys vs Chargers total: Over/under 33.5
- Cowboys vs Chargers moneyline: Cowboys -195 | Chargers +165
The Cowboys vs Chargers spread opened at Cowboys -3.5 and has stayed at Dallas -3.5 ever since. The total also has not moved after opening at 33.5.
Cowboys vs Chargers Preview
We have just about made it. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Preseason football is coming to a close and the real deal is just two weeks away. While it is acceptable to be excited, there is no reason to overlook the last week of preseason football. Rookies have their last chance to impress ahead of roster cuts, and veterans still have time to iron out any rust before the show begins.
Dallas’ lone loss came to the Los Angeles Rams in the first week of the preseason. In this loss, we saw Trey Lance struggle, throwing for less than five yards per attempt and no touchdowns. While he did not throw any interceptions, he took three sacks for a loss of 16 yards and had an overall poor performance. That all changed in Week 2.
We saw a bit more explosiveness from Lance, who averaged 6.6 yards per attempt and tallied a touchdown in his appearance against the Raiders. We have also seen Cooper Rush, but he has only attempted six passes this preseason. Rush will likely be named the backup quarterback, so it makes sense that Dallas is giving Lance the live reps.
Dak Prescott will not play in the Cowboys’ preseason finale, and this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Jerry Jones has said that Lance will make the 53-man roster. This means that we will get to see even more of Trey Lance, who has shown tremendous growth as the preseason has gone on.
The Chargers, on the other hand, have suffered losses to the Rams and the Seahawks. Quarterback play has consisted of Easton Stick and Luis Perez who have both been lackluster. Even if you want to overlook the holes at quarterback, the running back room hasn’t performed well either. PFF has their preseason rushing grade as 59.2, the 10th-worst in the NFL.
We have yet to see any semblance of life from this Chargers offense, and I don’t expect it to magically click this week. Dallas has allowed less than 13 points per game, so the task at hand for the Chargers is tall.
Keep an eye out for Dallas’ defensive tackle Mazi Smith. He missed last week’s matchup with a sickness but is expected to return and play a few snaps. He struggled last season but some live action could get him ready ahead of the regular season.
How to Watch Cowboys vs Chargers Live: Start Time, Channel, Location
| Location: | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX |
| Date: | Saturday, August 24, 2024 |
| Time: | 4 p.m. ET |
| TV Channel/Live Streaming: | NFL Network |
Cowboys vs Chargers will be broadcasted live on NFL Network, as well as local television coverage. Chargers-Cowboys is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Use Quickslip to Bet Cowboys vs Chargers
My Cowboys vs Chargers Prediction: Dallas to Cover the Spread
Both teams' goal is to get to the regular season healthy, and they will do what it takes to ensure that goal is met. Back Lance and the Cowboys against this stagnant Chargers offense.
Cowboys vs Chargers Pick: Cowboys -3.5
Cowboys vs Chargers Betting Trends
- 79% of bets and 98% of the money are on the Cowboys to cover the spread.
- 62% of bets and 75% of the money are on the under.
All data via Action Network's public betting percentages.
Cowboys vs Chargers Weather
Cowboys vs Chargers will be played indoors at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
