The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams will face off on Sunday to close out the NFL preseason schedule for Week 1. Both teams will rest their starters for this matchup, so reserve players will be the primary contenders. The two teams have met 38 times, with Dallas leading the series with a 20-18 record. In 2023, Dallas ranked first in the league in scoring offense (29.9), while Los Angeles ranked eighth in points per game (23.8). Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM ET at SoFi Stadium. FanDuel's latest Cowboys vs Rams odds have Dallas favored by 3.5 points. The over/under for total points is 34.5. Before you make any Rams vs Cowboys picks or NFL preseason predictions, you should hear from SportsLine's NFL expert Larry Hartstein.
A former lead writer for Covers and The Linemakers, Hartstein combines a vast network of Las Vegas sources with the analytical approach he honed at Pro Football Focus. He is 53-34-3 ATS and tied for 52nd (out of 1,598 entries) in the 2022 Westgate Las Vegas Supercontest. Hartstein's weekly Las Vegas contest picks are the basis of his NFL Best Bets column, which is 79-48-2 (62.2%, +25.95 units) since the start of 2022. Additionally, Hartstein is 23-7 on Cowboys-side picks (+1515). Anyone following his NFL picks has improved considerably.
Now, Hartstein has set his sights on Cowboys vs. Rams and has finalized his NFL preseason predictions and projections: To see his predictions, visit SportsLine now: Here are some NFL odds and NFL betting lines for Rams vs. Cowboys:
Cowboys vs. Rams spread: Dallas -3.5Cowboys vs. Rams over/under: 34.5 pointsCowboys vs. Rams moneyline: Dallas -170, Los Angeles +145DAL: The Cowboys ranked fifth in the NFL in total offense (371.6) in 2023LAR: Los Angeles was 10th in passing attack (239) last seasonCowboys vs. Rams picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Cowboys can cover
Cowboys stars Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons will not be playing in the game, giving reserve Trey Lance a chance to show off his skills. The Cowboys acquired the young point guard in a trade last August, with the expectation that he will be a star for the team. Lance has a strong throwing ability and is athletic enough to use his feet to make plays.
Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert could be a big player this year based on preseason. Tolbert has the length and speed to stretch the field. Last season, the South Alabama native recorded 22 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Find out which team to pick here.
Why the Rams can cover
Linebacker Jarrett Vers was the Rams' first-round pick in 2024 and will be getting his first taste of the NFL. Vers has the speed and power to outrun offensive linemen. Over the past two seasons at Florida State, he recorded 29.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks.
Additionally, safety Kamren Kinchens has a nose for the ball and the versatility to play in multiple schemes. In three seasons at Miami, he recorded 162 total tackles, 15 pass deflections, and 11 interceptions. Defensive tackle Tyler Davis was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Davis is off to a fast start and can consistently break out of the backfield. During his collegiate career at Clemson, he recorded 144 total tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks. He will be the main backup behind Bobby Brown III and will be looking to get off to a good start in the 2024 season. Find out which team to pick here.
How to predict Rams vs Cowboys
Hartstein is leaning toward the under point total, but he's found a key X-factor that would make him jump to one side of the spread, and he's just sharing with SportsLine what it is and which way he's backing it.
Who will win the Cowboys vs. Rams matchup, and what are the deciding factors that will definitely favor one side of the spread? Visit SportsLine now to find out which Rams vs. Cowboys spread is going to be the big winner, and an expert with a 23-7 record in predictions involving the Cowboys will give you the answer.
