NFL Futures: In Jerry’s World it’s always time for spin and sales and thus, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones, will again have his team in the spotlight to open the NFL preseason with a Thursday night game at the San Diego Chargers with coverage from Qualcomm Stadium on NFL Network Starting at 10 PM ET. The Cowboys are coming off the worst defensive season in their history but were also highly inconsistent on offense and will be working with new schemes in the preseason. The Chargers are coming off a playoff year and strong finish that leaves them and their fans optimistic heading into exhibition play. BetDSI opened with San Diego as a three point favorite with a total of 36.5.
Preseason Overlays
The Cowboys have gone 7-6 straight up in the preseason but were 2-3 last year. The problem with getting involved with the Cowboys is that they still draw plenty of public betting money their way due to the Jones hype machine and their iconic status as a worldwide brand. The expectations for the Cowboys in no way reflect their actual ability or reality. The preseason focus for Dallas will be the installation of new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s defensive system as Dallas ranked dead last in the NFL for total defense last year. On offense top draft pick Zack Martin, an offensive lineman, will garner attention as will QB Brandon Weeden, who arrived from Cleveland and will battle for a backup spot.
Can Lightning Strike Twice for Bolts?
The Chargers were 1-3 last year in the preseason under then rookie head coach Mike McCoy. The Chargers caught a lot of people off guard last year and could continue to be a surprise value that lacks a lot of public attention. McCoy will want use preseason to enhance the work ethic and polish that was displayed in the stretch run of last year. The Chargers defense ranked 23rd in the NFL last year and needs work. CB Jason Verrett of TCU and OLB Jerry Attaochu of Georgia Tech were the top two draft picks for San Diego to help address the issue.
Our Pick
We’ll call for the San Diego Chargers in this one!
