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.
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.
MyBookie NFL
Cowboys vs Panthers NFL Week 1 Lines and Preview
When: Sunday, Sep. 1 at 4:25 pm ET Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC TV: FOX 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
- Average Score Against: 20.75
- Total Yards:
- Pass Yards: 214.06
- Rush Yards: 104
Why Carolina is a good bet at -3?

Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 22.88
- Total Yards: 328.94
- Pass Yards: 199
- Rush Yards: 129.94
- 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 24MyBookie NFL
NFL Odds and Lines
NFL Game Lines |
NFL Playoff Odds |
Super Bowl Odds |
AFC Champion Odds |
NFC Champion Odds |
NFL Trends
NFL Loyalty Program |
Futures to Reach the Playoffs |
Super Bowl Rematches |
- NFL Week 1 Betting: Is Your Favorite Team a Lock or a Letdown?
- Offense Wins Titles, But This NFL QB Prop Bet Wins You Money
- Earn Points, Get Exclusive Bonus and Win this 2025 Season with our NFL Loyalty Program
- When the NFL Goes International, Fan Behavior Hits Your Bets – Use Fading Public Bias
- Here’s Why Public Money Could Be Your Indicator for NFL Week 1 Value Bets
- Same-Game NFL Parlay Hacks: Score Big on One Game