The Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys kick off their proper NFL preseason schedules at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 13.
As with most NFL preseason betting, especially in the weeks surrounding Week 3, we must expect starters to barely play at all. As such, we’ll have to assess backups, positional battles, and more factors into this preseason Dallas vs Denver pick.
Cowboys vs Broncos Odds
Caesars Sportsbook predictably lists Denver as the favorite, given the home-field advantage and the more experienced backup quarterbacks in Josh Johnson and Brett Rypien compared to Dallas’ Cooper Rush.
Be sure to keep track of the latest line movement with our NFL odds.
Cowboys vs Broncos Implied Score
Broncos 17.25, Cowboys 14.75
The Over/Under of 32 means we’re in the preseason and the No. 2 and No. 3 signal-callers for both teams will likely be most involved under center.
Cowboys vs Broncos Pick of the Day
Read more on this Cowboys vs Broncos bet below.
Cowboys vs Broncos Matchup
Due to the arrival of head coach Nathaniel Hackett, Denver might have Russell Wilson make his preseason debut for a series during Denver’s “home opener" to get some reps in the new offense. Still, don’t factor it too strongly into your betting.
Expect more reps for talented No. 3 wideout K.J. Hamler, who will have to step up with Tim Patrick (torn ACL) out for the season. He’s in a good spot to carve up the Cowboys’ secondary depth players. (Read more about Broncos odds for the season ahead.)
The Cowboys are looking for their own backup wide receivers to seize the opportunity created by the absence of James Washington, who will miss at least six weeks with a fractured foot. Michael Gallup (knee) remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Watch for the likes of veteran Noah Brown, rookie Jalen Tolbert, and Semi Fehoko to see most of the wideout looks. (See Cowboys odds worth betting for the 2022-23 NFL season.)
Both clubs carry a two-RB system so frequently that they likely won’t trot out either of their top two backs often. This means we won’t see much of the Javonte Williams-Melvin Gordon pair for Denver or the Ezekiel Elliott-Tony Pollard combo for Dallas.
Cowboys vs Broncos Prediction
Broncos 17, Cowboys 10
Neither of these teams have too much motivation to push important players in Week 1. Expect the bigger names to get a run in the lineup for at least a quarter next week, not this week.
Hamler likely will make a dent more than most other potential starter-worthy names, and looks primed to break loose on a Cowboys secondary prone to allowing big plays in Dan Quinn‘s high-risk, high-reward defensive system.
Cowboys vs Broncos Bet Tips
When in doubt, bet the Under in the preseason.
In preseason Week 1 action last season, the Under went 14-3, per VSiN. Hardly surprising given teams are simply going through the motions on the field in this first practice game.
Broncos QB2 battle will drive the play.
Johnson and Rypien will be playing to be active each week, and both are more experienced than Rush, who has the “backup to Dak" role all but sealed (no offense to Will Grier or Ben DiNucci).
Stacked defenses’ backups should shine.
Both clubs are featuring major position battles, but boast enough talent to shut down reserve quarterbacks who’ll dominate play in this tune-up.
Cowboys vs Broncos Best Bets
Under 32 Total Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s the preseason, after all — Week 1 of the preseason, in fact. These two clubs likely will not reveal too many trade secrets while their reserves get reps.
Back the Under as your NFL play of the day.
