Game: Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Date: November 17th at 8:15 PM ET

Where to Watch: ABC/ESPN

Following the Cowboys’ bye week last week, they find themselves back on Monday Night Football, this week in “Sin City” against the Las Vegas Raiders. This game certainly isn’t the most exciting at this point of the year, but it looks to be a relatively even matchup. Prior to Dallas’s bye they lost two straight, the most recent being on Monday night two weeks ago against the Cardinals, which brings their record to 3-5-1. Offensively, they still stack up with the best in the NFL at 4th in yards per game (378.4) and 4th in points per game (29.2). The defense, however, is one of the worst in the league as they’re 31st in both points and yards allowed per game (30.8 points allowed per game) (397.4 yards allowed per game).

Las Vegas enters this one at 2-7 and off three straight losses, the last two in close, heartbreaking fashion. The offense has been one of the worst in the NFL, as they’re 30th in yards per game (272.7) along with 31st in points per game (15.4). The defense has definitely been better, but still not great at 15th in yards allowed per game (320.8) and 20th in points allowed per game (24.4). With both of these teams under new coaching staffs, this game and the rest of these teams’ seasons will be more about culture building, making these games down the stretch important regardless of their records.

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Betting Overview

Dallas opened as 1.5-point favorites in this matchup, but have since moved to 3.5-point favorites. The moneyline has moved a smidge as well, with the best value for the Cowboys at -180 and the Raiders at +162. The total has taken a jump from the initial number of 45.5 to now 49.5 or 50.5.

Position Group & Coaching Comparisons

Coaching: Considering both of these coaching staffs are new this season, it’s difficult to lean either direction here, especially since both teams don’t have great records. Pete Carroll has obviously been in a head-coaching role a lot longer than Brian Schottenheimer, so if you’re looking for an edge it would be in Carroll’s tenure.

DLs vs. OLs: Dallas certainly controls the line of scrimmage in this one when they’re on offense, but neither team has a great defensive line. Considering how poor the Raiders’ offensive line is, Dallas’s defensive line may be better in that comparison, giving the Cowboys the clear overall edge up front.

QBs: While the Cowboys’ defense has clearly had its struggles, Dak Prescott has given it his all week in and week out. His stats stack up well with other quarterbacks in the league, while the same cannot be said for Geno Smith.

RBs & TEs vs. LBs: The running back battle in this one is certainly up for debate, but Las Vegas clearly has the better tight end room here. The Raiders also have a slightly better linebacker corps, giving them the edge in this matchup.

WRs vs. Secondaries: It’s no secret the Cowboys’ secondary has been one of, if not the worst in the NFL. The Raiders’ secondary, while not quite as bad, is still not great, but the Cowboys have a far better wide receiver room, giving them a slight edge on the outside.

Betting Trends

Dallas has been a mediocre 4-5 ATS this year, with a 2-3 record on the road and an 0-2 record as an away favorite. In non-conference games, however, the Cowboys are 1-1 ATS. Overs have been quite prominent in Cowboy games, hitting in 6 of 9, with 3 of 5 on the road, but they have split one apiece in games as an away favorite. Out of the conference, the over hit in both of those games for Dallas.

Las Vegas is also a 4-5 ATS team, with a 2-2 record at home (1-1 as a home underdog). In non-conference games, the Raiders are 0-2 ATS. Totals have favored the under in Raiders games, hitting in 6 of 9, though at home it has split two apiece, and also split one apiece as a home underdog. The over has hit in Las Vegas’s two non-AFC games this year.

Final Thoughts

No game in the NFL is easy to bet on, and this game is no different, especially with how these teams match up with one another. The one thing that stands out though is the Cowboys are coming off a bye, while the Raiders are coming off two recent narrow losses. I think the Cowboys will come into this game and cover, and the over will result.