Rams vs Cowboys Pick

The Matchup: Cowboys at Rams in the first-ever game at L.A.’s (empty) SoFi Stadium

The Odds:  Cowboys -3, over/under 51.5

Cowboys offense: Top-heavy Dallas is hoping that it finally has the right recipe for its first Super Bowl run in a quarter-century. The offense is stacked, with highly-touted rookie receiver CeeDee Lamb joining 1,000-yard wideouts Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup in support of one-two backfield punch Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Nobody is as talented across the board at the skill positions, and the offensive line remains steady with stars Tyron Smith and Zack Martin but will likely miss Travis Frederick (retired) and La’el Collins (injured reserve).

Rams defense: Amazing Aaron Donald remains amazing Aaron Donald, but the Rams have been slowly bleeding on defense of late. With Dante Fowler Jr., Eric Weddle, Cory Littleton, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, Nickell Robey-Coleman and LaMarcus Joyner all departing in the last 18 months, they’re a shell of their 2018 Super Bowl selves on that side of the ball.

The edge: Dallas

Rams offense: The Todd Gurley era is also over and quarterback Jared Goff hasn’t been the same ever since falling on his face in Super Bowl LIII. Meanwhile, the offensive line has become a liability with left tackle Andrew Whitworth over the hill and nobody else particularly accomplished. Robert Woods, Cooper Kupps and Josh Reynolds still form a superb receiving group, but there’s not a lot else to get excited about here.

Cowboys defense: Star pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence should appreciate the addition of four-time Pro Bowler Everson Griffen on the edge, and stud linebacker Leighton Vander Esch’s return should help as well. The secondary remains a concern following the loss of top cover man Byron Jones, and that should keep the Rams in this game, but the Cowboys win the battle in the trenches.

The edge: Dallas

Prediction: Cowboys 27, Rams 20

The Cowboys are simply better on both sides of the ball, and home-field advantage shouldn’t be a factor with no fans in the stands and Dallas essentially playing in its vacation home. Still, with plenty of rust following a limited off-season, the offenses could struggle against plenty of top-end talent on both defenses (don’t forget about Jalen Ramsey).

Roll with the Dallas -3 but hit the under.