The New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys won by multiple possessions in Week 1, setting up an unexpected must-see matchup at AT&T Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Dak Prescott didn’t light it up in a 33-17 beatdown of the Cleveland Browns, but the home-field advantage makes the Cowboys a near-touchdown favorite in the NFL Week 2 odds.
Saints vs. Cowboys NFL week 2 odds
The top online sportsbooks opened the point spread at Cowboys -6.5 and the line hasn’t moved as bets pour in. The over/under has increased from the initial 44.5 total.
If you’re interested in backing the Cowboys, now might be the best time to lock in your wager before the line potentially moves to Dallas +7.
Saints bettors may be wise to stay patient for the same reason, and it’s always recommended to keep an eye on your favorite point spreads to get the best possible number.
The Saints didn’t hold back in a 47-10 shellacking of the Carolina Panthers, but New Orleans’ injury report is full following the win.
CB Marshon Lattimore and DT Khalen Saunders are a pair of defensive starters who are questionable to go in Week 2.
Dallas’ most significant injury came to TE Jake Ferguson, who was feared to be lost for the season with a knee injury but is considered week-to-week.
Why the Cowboys could win as the favorite
Special teams played a crucial role in Big D’s win. KaVontae Turpin returned a punt for a touchdown and Brandon Aubrey was 4/4 on field goals, including a 57-yarder.
Despite hanging 33 points on the Browns’ top-tier defense, Prescott and Co. only got in the end zone twice.
CeeDee Lamb was held to less than 70 yards and no touchdowns, which happened only three times a season ago.
The Cowboys may come out on top if Lamb performs similarly, but increased production is required to cover the spread.
New Orleans’ defense flew under the radar last season, ranking eighth in points allowed per game.
The Micah Parsons-led Cowboys defense continued last seasons dominance with six sacks and two interceptions.
The Deshaun Watson experiment could conclude soon in Cleveland, and a Week 2 test vs. a Saints offense that scored the most points in the league in Week 1 should show if Dallas’ defense is legit.
Why the Saints could win as the underdog
If you believe in the Saints pulling the upset, BetMGM Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook have the best moneyline odds (+240).
NOLA finished just above .500 in the 2023 season but looked like world-beaters in the 2024 opener. The offense gained nearly 400 yards and the defense had three takeaways.
But it could be a mirage. Carolina won just two games last year and the Panthers’ 2024 optimism was somewhat extinguished by a thumping from New Orleans.
The Panthers tallied just one sack on Derek Carr, and strong protection would go a long way in helping the Saints cover the spread. Another stellar performance from Alvin Kamara is also key.
It’ll be difficult to keep Lamb in check if Lattimore can’t suit up. Rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry is the backup, and drawing Lamb in his second game is a tough assignment.
Saints vs. Cowboys prediction
I like the Cowboys -6.5 (-110 odds at Caesars Sportsbook) on Sunday afternoon because Dallas has a tendency to start the year strong.
The ‘Boys were 3-1 through the first four weeks of 2023, recording a +83 point differential.
The Saints are getting a lot of hype after whooping the Panthers, and NOLA’s odds to win the NFC South improved to +190 at bet365 Sportsbook.
I’m banking on New Orleans looking like the 2023 version vs. a Cowboys squad that’s clicking in all three phases.
