Cowboys vs Panthers NFL Week 1 Lines and Preview

One of the most important battles in NFL Week 1 takes place when NFC heavyweights Dallas and Carolina collide. The Cowboys went through big changes in their receiving corps while Carolina’s defense has gone through a change. Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot hopes to rebound from a season where he sat out six games and the Cowboys missed the playoffs. If you want to know if Dak Prescott and Zeke can take down Carolina Panthers‘ defense check out NFL odds and our analysis.

Cowboys vs Panthers NFL Week 1 Lines and Preview

#FridayFeeling when gameday is this weekend! pic.twitter.com/MxPHv21Dxy

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 24, 2018

When: Sunday, Sep. 1 at 4:25 pm ET Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC TV: FOX Radio: Dallas / Carolina  Live Stream: NFL Live ATS Odds: Carolina -3 (-110) Over/Under Total Odds: 44 (-110)

Why Dallas is a good bet at +3?

Heading into training camp, the biggest question about the Cowboys was whether they could replace wide receiver Dez Bryant and tight-end Jason Witten. Dallas released Bryant. Witten retired after becoming the best tight-end to ever play in a Cowboys’ uniform. Rookie Michael Gallup caught 1 of 3 targets in Dallas’ Week 1 NFL Preseason game. The catch went for a 30-yard touchdown. In Dallas’ Preseason Week 2 game, TE Geoff Swaim caught 2 of 2 targets for 16 yards. The answer appears to be, yes, the Cowboys can replace production from Bryant and Witten. Dallas DE DeMarcus Lawrence is good enough to contain Carolina quarterback Cam Newton and running back Christian McCaffrey. LB Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee will be there to stop plays that get past the line of scrimmage.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Average Score For: 22.12
• Total Yards:
• Pass Yards: 196.38
• Rush Yards: 135.62

Defense:

• Average Score Against: 20.75
• Total Yards:
• Pass Yards: 214.06
• Rush Yards: 104

Why Carolina is a good bet at -3?

Carolina’s success starts with Cam Newton. Newton can throw from the pocket. He can get up field through the middle of the defense. Or, he can outrun defensive ends to the edge. Christian McCaffrey caught 80 passes last season. Carolina’s defense replaced defensive lineman Star Lotulelei with Dontari Poe. There shouldn’t be any drop-off along the Panthers’ defensive line. Middle linebacker Luke Kuechley remains one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Average Score For: 22.88
• Total Yards: 328.94
• Pass Yards: 199
• Rush Yards: 129.94

Defense:

• Average Score Against: 21.06
• Total Yards: 322.58
• Pass Yards: 237.29
• Rush Yards: 85.29

Cowboys vs Panthers NFL Week 1 Analysis & Prediction

It’s tough to rush against the Carolina Panthers’ defense. Dallas should have no trouble, though, because they’ve got one of the best running backs in the NFL rushing behind the best offensive line in the NFL. Once Carolina sneaks up a safety, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott will look to target Geoff Swaim across the middle, Michael Gallup, Allen Hurns, or Cole Beasley. All 4 receivers are sure-handed. Carolina could have trouble moving the football against Dallas’ defense.  The Cowboys secondary is untested. The linebacking unit got a serious upgrade when Dallas drafted Leighton Vander Esch in Round 1, though. Dallas should also control the clock. Carolina has the advantage because they’re at home. Dallas has the advantage because of their upgraded defense and league best offensive line. The Cowboys’ advantages trumps the Panthers’ home field advantage. NFL Week 1 Pick: Cowboys 28, Panthers 24