Panthers vs Cowboys Odds, Lines, and Spreads
- Unbeaten Carolina Panthers head into Dallas to take on the 2-1 Cowboys
- Sunday Betting Record: 0-0 ML; 2-1 ATS; 1-1 O/U; +0.75 units
- Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction
It’s a big one in Big D for the Carolina Panthers, who are trying to prove they’re legit.
For their opponent, the Dallas Cowboys, it’s a battle they’ve been waging for years.
It should make for an interesting matchup when the teams kickoff Sunday at 1pm ET from AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Despite being just one of five teams in the NFL yet to lose, the 3-0 Panthers enter this one as 4.5-point road underdogs to the 2-1 Cowboys.
Panthers vs Cowboys Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | +175 | +4.5 (-105) | O 51.5 (-110) |
| Dallas Cowboys | -210 | -4.5 (-115) | U 51.5 (-110) |
Odds as of October 2 at DraftKings.
This line opened at Dallas -4, but the has since lengthened by a half-point, likely due to some injury woes on both sides of the ball for the Panthers.
Regardless, bettors have flocked the Cowboys, placing 86% of the wagers on Dallas to cover the spread, with another 71% of bets on the moneyline. Taking the under is the popular total play, with 81% of the public bets set under 51.5 points.
It’s expected to be warm and mostly clear, with temperatures at around 84 degrees come kickoff.
Darnold and the D
They haven’t had the toughest schedule, beating up on the Jets, Saints and Texans, but the Panthers have looked very good in their three wins.
Sam Darnold has looked every bit the pivot the Jets drafted him for, throwing for 888 yards, three TD’s against one interception to start the year. He’s gone for back-to-back 300+ yard games in their last two wins.
Sam Darnold was dialed in last night 👀 pic.twitter.com/PGh7SqKUyK
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 24, 2021
He’s also currently in a tie for the league lead in rushing TD’s with three.
Darnold certainly found an upgrade with the weapons around him, including receivers DJ Moore, youngster Terrance Marshall and Robbie Anderson (who he played with in New York). Unfortunately, he won’t have the services of do-everything back Christian McCaffrey, who hurt his hamstring in their Week 3 win over the Texans.
🇨🇦 Chuba Hubbard put in work for the Panthers tonight 💪
(🎥: @NFLCanada) pic.twitter.com/s5N90daJ8V
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 24, 2021
That will sting a little, as his 16 receptions were second on the team and he was Darnold’s reliable check-down option in the passing game. Rookie Chuba Hubbard and ex-Bronco Royce Freeman will need to come up big.
Brian Burns has a sack in 7 of his last 8 road games 💥
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 24, 2021
Carolina also ranks first in total, pass, and run defense and second in scoring defense and they lead the league with 14 sacks. The combo of Brian Burns and Haason Reddick account for 7.5 of those.
But they also lost top corner Jaycee Horn to a foot injury, and had to trade for Jaguars 2020 first-round pick CJ Henderson. How he holds up against one of the NFL’s top passers will be key in this one.
All-Around Cowboys
The Cowboys are a Tom Brady final-possession drive from being 3-0 this year. But unlike that game, where Dak Prescott threw for 400+ yards, they’ve been utilizing the entire talent of the team to win their next two games.
Ezekiel Elliott's second touchdown run of the night, and it's only the first half. pic.twitter.com/SFv3K00EpA
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 28, 2021
It starts with the backfield. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have churned out just under 180 yards per game on the ground in the last two, running behind what is still one of the premier offensive lines in the NFL.
Zeke led the way in a rout of the Eagles Monday night, rushing for 95 yards and a pair of scores. Pollard pumped out 113 yards and a TD in a Week 2 win over the Chargers.
Dak Prescott finds a wide-open Dalton Schultz for a Cowboys TD. 14-7 Dallas on MNF. pic.twitter.com/cpYTIIouNp
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 28, 2021
That’s kept Prescott under 30 pass attempts per game the last two, but he’s been effective, leading the NFL with a 77.5% completion rate, throwing six TD’s with just two interceptions and averaging 292.7 yards per game.
And while they are 27th in yards allowed per game, and second worst in passing defense, surrendering better than 331 yards a game, the Cowboys’ D has been opportunistic.
They’ve picked up two interceptions in every game, and that’s been against Brady, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts.
What’s the Best Bet?
We’re about to find out just how stout this Panthers’ D is. Prescott is easily the best QB they will have faced this year, and their pass rush will be kept off balance by Dallas’ ability to run the ball.
With CMC out for Carolina, will head coach Matt Rhule put more of the gameplan into Darnold’s hands? He might not have a choice. Despite their passing game struggles, Dallas is sixth best vs the run, allowing 70.3 yards a game.
Only NFL player with an INT in every game this season:
Trevon Diggs 😤pic.twitter.com/MZkd6AXKd7
— PFF (@PFF) September 28, 2021
The Panthers will want to start fast, as they have all year, outscoring teams 40-6 in the first half, and allowing their defense to do damage.
Both teams this year are 3-0 ATS, so something’s gotta give.
In the end, I lean to the better QB in this matchup, but am wary of those points. Carolina keeps it close, but Dallas improves to 3-1.
Pick: Panthers +4.5 (1 unit to win 0.95 units)
Having worked in and around sports since 1997, Eric is truly a knowledgeable expert. The two-time journalism grad specializes in all things NBA and NFL. From TSN.ca to CTV's Olympic Broadcast Consortium, Eric's work has appeared in local and national publications alike.
