Jaguars vs. Cowboys prediction and odds for NFL Preseason Week 1 (Bet the OVER)

Two teams who were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys, will face-off in Week 1 of the 2023 preseason.

The season was deemed a success for the Jags, who took a massive step forward under new head coach, Doug Pederson. Can they carry that momentum into the preseason this year?

Let's take a look at the betting odds for the game and then I'll break down my prediction.

Jaguars vs. Cowboys odds, spread, and total

Jaguars vs. Cowboys prediction and pick

The Jaguars are set as 4-point favorites in this game, and I don't feel like laying four points on a preseason game. Instead, I'm going to look at the total and take the OVER.

Both teams put up a ton of points in the preseason in 2022. The OVER was 3-1 in the Jaguars four preseason games (they played in the HOF game) while it was 2-1 in the Cowboys three exhibition matchups. Most notably, the 'Boys got in a 27-26 shootout in the final preseason game.

I also believe the number in this game is lower than it should be based on how strong the Cowboys defense was last season. let's remember that starters will only be playing a few drives at most, and the Dallas defense isn't as deep as you may think.

The best course of action for Saturday night is to sit back and root for points. That's exactly what I'm going to do.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.