Raiders Cowboys Betting – Motivated Raiders Slay Cowboys In “Big D”
Online betting players may think this is a mismatch, but that’s only in the regular season. Oakland has a lot to prove this year as they look to, at least, get on the road to respectability, and you’ll see a lot of young players hungry to make the team when the Raiders head to Dallas for their preseason opener against the Cowboys.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Thursday, August 12th, 9:00 PM ET
- Where: Cowboys Stadium, Dallas, TX
- Pick: Oakland Raiders
What’s On The Line
The Raiders are looking to start fresh without JaMarcus Russell, and what’s more surprising, they actually drafted well this year, which gives them a good foundation. There’s also a lot at stake as there aren’t a lot of spots already spoken for in Oakland. The Cowboys will start their preseason after playing in the Hall of Fame Game against Cincinnati, and we’re all waiting to see their rookie wideout who has made some headlines this offseason, but for the wrong reasons.
Offensive Matchups: Raiders Cowboys Betting
Jason Campbell should see his first game action with the Raiders after moving from Washington, and Campbell needed a fresh start after years of being battered in the nation’s capital. He won’t play that long, but Campbell will soon see that the offensive line in Oakland isn’t much better than it was in Washington. Everyone is going to be watching tackle Bruce Campbell, who many thought the Raiders would take in the first round, but he was still there when the Raiders were picking in the fourth round. The Raiders also have to figure out who their No.1 running back will be, although you have to think that Darren McFadden has the inside track.
Rookie Dez Bryant made the news for refusing to carry the pads of fellow receiver and veteran Roy Williams, and that’s something that could be a problem. Even though it doesn’t sound like a big deal, it’s team-building stuff like this that could put off some of the older players. Although, if Bryant can come out of the gate and be a star, this episode will be forgotten. That’s the main story of the Cowboys’ preseason: can Bryant elbow his way past Williams into the first-string team? Other than that, it’s all about the Cowboys’ depth up front, and also, Doug Free is replacing Flozell Adams at left tackle.
Betting Edge: Cowboys
Defensive Matchups: Raiders Cowboys Betting
The Raiders definitely gave their NFL betting odds a shot by taking Rolando McClain in the first round, and he may be the best middle linebacker that Oakland has had in years. McClain was the leader of an Alabama defense that was arguably the best in the country over the last two years, and he should be the leader in Oakland. Richard Seymour badly needs some help up front, and there’s not much depth in the secondary, but by taking McClain, at least they’re going in the right direction.
The Cowboys have their own rookie linebacker in Sean Lee, who will learn the ropes from Bradie James and Keith Brooking. Dallas will have the luxury of easing Lee into the team, and that’s a good thing as Lee missed all of 2008 with a knee injury. While he looks recovered, you never know when a knee injury is going to act up. The Cowboys could be looking for another corner to step up as Terrance Newman is getting up there in age.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Raiders Cowboys Betting
Neither team has any major injuries to worry about in this game.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Raiders Cowboys Betting
NFL betting odds will probably favor the Cowboys at home, but the Raiders’ 24-7 loss in Dallas last season was their first in four regular-season games. We’re actually going with the Raiders to come away with a bit of an upset win in this game, as they have more spots open to play for, which means there will be fierce competition within the group. The Cowboys are a veteran team that have their starters figured out, and players may not have the same hunger when they know they’re playing for a backup spot, that’s why we’re taking the Raiders in our sports betting picks here.
