NFL Preseason Week 1 Predictions: Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers
Thursday, 8/7/14, 10:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: San Diego -2.5
Current Betting Line: San Diego -3
Opening Total: 36.5
Current Total: 36.5
Odds Courtesy of 5Dimes

Chargers vs. Broncos NFL Preview — The San Diego Chargers are looking to build off their impressive offensive numbers of a year ago

Dallas head coach Jason Garrett has adopted the word “fight” for the franchise heading into the 2014 season, which will start with the defense under new coordinator Rod Marinelli, as he enters the final year of his contract, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting lines. The Cowboys secondary will be undermanned due to a slew of injuries, especially at the cornerback position with only three healthy players at that position. On the other side of the ball, owner Jerry Jones expects the team to have its best offense since 2007—a group that ranked second in the league in scoring and third in total yardage.

The Cowboys have plenty of weapons, with running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Dez Bryant, while trusty tight end Jason Witten is also back. Dallas will wait and see how quarterback Tony Romo performs during the exhibition season after undergoing another back surgery, but that evaluation will have to take place after the opener due to Garrett electing to have him sit out.

San Diego went 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS during the 2013 NFL preseason under now second year head coach Mike McCoy, which is something to consider when making your NFL predictions Thursday night. The Chargers have a lot of familiar faces that expect to see a series or two of action, including quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Keenan Allen, while tight end Antonio Gates is expected to sit out. These two teams have met 14 times in the preseason, and the series is tied 7-7.

The Chargers enjoyed a fantastic season offensively to kick off the McCoy era in 2013, as it ranked fifth in total yards and 12th in averaging 24.8 points per game. On the other side of the ball, San Diego has been focused on forcing turnovers during the offseason under defensive coordinator John Pagano. It’s important to point out that the group may get plenty of opportunities in facing Dallas’ second and third options under center.