The Las Vegas Raiders will look to conclude the preseason with a perfect record when they visit the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET. Based on what we’ve seen thus far, both teams will likely play it safe and rest most starters with the regular season just around the corner.
Read on as we break down the Raiders-Cowboys Preseason Week 3 matchup.
Raiders vs Cowboys Odds
NFL odds used for this Las Vegas vs Dallas preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Aug. 24 at noon ET.
- Moneyline: Raiders (-218) • Cowboys (+180)
- Spread: Raiders -5 (-110) • Cowboys +5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 38 (-110) • Under 38 (-110)
- Implied Score: Raiders 21.5, Cowboys 16.5
Raiders vs Cowboys Predictions
Score Pick: Raiders 27, Cowboys 20
Aidan O’Connell has been one of the stars of the preseason. The rookie fourth-rounder out of Purdue has completed 26 of 36 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Raiders to a pair of convincing victories. While Jimmy Garoppolo is entrenched as the Raiders’ starter, O’Connell is making a surprising bid to supplant veteran journeyman Brian Hoyer as Garappolo’s backup.
Expect Las Vegas to roll again with O’Connell while getting Hoyer and Chase Garber more reps under center.
Dallas has had a far more difficult go of it this summer, though not because of Dak Prescott. The two-time Pro Bowler hasn’t played in the preseason since 2019 and likely won’t appear in a game until the regular season opener against the NFC East rival Giants. Without him, the Cowboys are 0-2 and have averaged 18.5 points.
Raiders vs Cowboys Best Bets & Props
Over 38 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Teams are reluctant to dip deep into their playbooks during the preseason, leading to lower-scoring affairs. But that hasn’t slowed down Las Vegas. The Raiders have operated at peak efficiency, scoring 34 points in their first two games.
Look for the Raiders to continue to ride the hot hand in O’Connell as he chases the backup quarterback job. I trust them to do enough to help us cover this NFL bet of the day.
Raiders -5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Preseason scores are inconsequential. They hold little value aside from the individual performances within them. Still, Dallas’ preseason record under Mike McCarthy (2-7 since 2021) is hard to ignore.
The five-point spread may make some bettors uneasy, but I do like the Raiders here, and the moneyline isn’t offering great value.
Raiders by 1-13 Points (+140)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Dallas’ first two losses were by an average of 6.5 points. In that sense, the Cowboys have been competitive.
In all, 12 of the 16 games last week were decided by 12 points or fewer. The previous week, it was 11. I’m betting on that trend continuing here.
Raiders vs Cowboys Same Game Parlay
Raiders vs Cowboys SGP (+182)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Raiders (-210)
- Over 38.5 (-110)
You can bet Raiders -5 at better odds (-110), but I’m opting for the more conservative play and taking Las Vegas straight up. Even with minimal contributions from Garoppolo, who played only one series in the preseason opener against the Rams, the Raiders have been in sync this summer.
Expect more contributions from O’Connell, who has every reason to be aggressive and help the Raiders continue their strong offensive play.
