The Cowboys opened their preseason by getting three field goals from K David Buehler and scoring a defensive touchdown against the Bengals when they picked off Carson Palmer’s younger brother Jordan early in the fourth quarter, although that win did not come without a price. Third-stringer John Phillips – who was filling in for Martellus Bennett (ankle) as the #2 tight end – suffered a torn ACL and will miss the entire season.
Dallas did not want to suffer any more injuries after seeing rookie WR Dez Bryant (ankle) and DE Marcus Spears (knee) go down earlier in training camp. Phillips had four catches for 60 yards and looked like he would be another weapon this season for QB Tony Romo. Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips did see his overall career preseason record improve to 15-10, including 5-3 in the first week. But Phillips is just 2-4 in the second week of preseason over the years.
Our live NFL odds page offers up to the minute point spreads for all preseason NFL betting games.
Cincinnati obviously did not look good offensively and failed to win as small favorites at -3 after Dallas had opened in that role. This week, the Cowboys look to stay in that position since they are playing at home against an Oakland team that has a ton of question marks and lots to prove. After this game, Dallas will head out to Southern California to train for the next couple weeks before returning home for the preseason finale against Miami on September 2.
The Raiders will be without several key players in their opener and went 1-3 last preseason under second-year head coach Tom Cable. Former Heisman Trophy candidate Darren McFadden continues to battle the injury bug and will sit out this game due to a hamstring injury suffered in the team’s first practice last Saturday. He is expected to share the load at running back for Oakland this season with Michael Bush and continues to miss valuable time after being plagued by toe, shoulder and knee injuries earlier in his career.
McFadden is not the only Raider who will not play against the Cowboys though, as WR Chaz Schilens (foot), WR Jacoby Ford (quad), QB Bruce Gradkowski (groin), QB Charlie Frye (wrist), FB Luke Lawton (concussion) and DE Jay Richardson (knee) are also dealing with injuries.
Oakland will get its first look at new starting QB Jason Campbell, who spent his first four seasons with the Washington Redskins. Campbell is getting a new start with the Raiders and was welcomed with open arms following the disastrous tenure of NFL draft bust JaMarcus Russell.
For a team that is looking to snap a league record of at least 11 losses in seven straight seasons, Campbell will be counted on to improve an Oakland passing offense that has ranked no better than 29th over the last four years. The Raiders also signed former Hawaii QB Colt Brennan this week to add depth with Gradkowski and Frye out.
For the free NFL pick lets go with the Over 17 on the 1st half total. Line is available at Bookmaker.
Maddux Sports will also be releasing premium NFL picks to its members all season long. If you are looking for betting advice look no further than Maddux’s NFL picks against the spread package. A solid investment for those betting football.
