Table of Contents
Arguably the two most impressive teams in Week 1 will square off in Week 2 of the 2024-25 NFL season when the Dallas Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
The Cowboys went on the road and thoroughly dominated the Cleveland Browns in a 33-17 win last week. Dak Prescott was efficient, completing 19 of 32 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks, while Ezekiel Elliott scored a rushing touchdown in his first game back with Dallas.
The Saints were somehow even more dominant, blowing out the hapless Carolina Panthers 47-10 at home. Led by Alvin Kamara’s 83 rushing yards and three passing scores from Derek Carr, New Orleans scored the game’s first 30 points and cruised to an easy win.
The Saints may have gone off in Week 1, but Vegas isn’t buying them as NFC contenders just yet. New Orleans is still a longshot to win the NFC (+3000) and Super Bowl (+6500) at DraftKings, while Dallas has much shorter odds at +650 and +1500, respectively.
Let’s take a look at this key NFC showdown and the best bets to make at our favorite NFL betting sites.
Game Details
- Matchup: New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 (Week 2)
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
- Watch: FOX
Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Saints +215, Cowboys -265
- Spread: Saints +6 (-108), Cowboys -6 (-112)
- Total: Over/Under 46.5 (-108/-112)
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook and subject to change.
Saints vs. Cowboys Moneyline
With all due respect to the Saints, winning at AT&T Stadium in the regular season is a nightmare for visitors. The Cowboys have won 16 straight regular-season home games dating back to 2022, including all eight regular-season home games last year with an average margin of victory of 21.5 points.
Dallas’ defense flummoxed Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson last week, sacking him six times and forcing two interceptions – one apiece from Trevon Diggs and Eric Kendricks.
New Orleans put up big numbers against the Panthers, but most of its success came on the ground (180 rushing yards) as Carr tallied only 200 passing yards. The Cowboys limited the Browns to 93 rushing yards, even though the latter ranked 12th in the NFL in rushing yards per game a season ago.
Taking all of that into consideration, we’re taking Dallas on the moneyline even though these odds don’t have much standalone value.
Saints vs. Cowboys Spread
Did we mention the Cowboys’ average margin of victory in home wins? Dallas has only failed to cover a touchdown at home in three of its past 15 regular-season games and was 7-1 against a -6.5 spread at home last year.
The Saints’ offense is efficient, but Carr can be mistake-prone with 107 interceptions in 160 career games. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ secondary looks as ball-hawking as ever even without 2023 breakout star and All-Pro DaRon Bland, who will miss at least the first four weeks of the season with a foot injury.
If Prescott keeps the Dallas offense on schedule while the defense finds a way to disrupt Carr, covering the spread should not be a problem for the Cowboys.
Saints vs. Cowboys Over/Under
These teams combined for 80 points in Week 1 and Dallas is averaging 35.3 points per game over its home winning streak.
The Cowboys’ defense can affect opponents but has also proven capable of scoring points, especially at home. New Orleans has weapons capable of putting up points as well, especially Kamara, who had 110 all-purpose yards in Week 1.
Brandon Aubrey made four field goals last week, and Dallas is within his range any time it reaches the opponent’s 40-yard line.
Take the Over in what should be a high-scoring game with at least 50 points.
Saints vs. Cowboys Props
Derek Carr Over 0.5 interceptions (-140)
Carr is averaging 0.67 interceptions per game over his career, or about two every three games. He didn’t get picked off last week but faces a much tougher test this week on the road against one of the best units in the NFL.
The Cowboys have 24 interceptions in their past 17 home games, while Diggs is averaging 0.4 interceptions per game over his stellar NFL career. Carr will likely need to throw more this week to keep up with Dallas’ offense, which should result in at least one interception.
Ezekiel Elliot Anytime Touchdown (-125)
Elliott’s return to the Cowboys after spending one season with the New England Patriots is a feel-good story, and you can bet they’ll be feeding him early and often.
The veteran RB is in a timeshare with Rico Dowdle and potentially Deuce Vaughn as well. He’s still the featured back near the goal line, though, as proven by his rushing TD last week.
An Elliott touchdown in his first game back in Arlington could be the cherry on top of his welcome-home party, making this a playable prop bet.
Saints vs. Cowboys Best Bets Summary
- Moneyline: Cowboys (-265). These odds aren’t great but are still worth taking in a parlay. Regardless, don’t expect New Orleans to snap Dallas’ streak of 16 straight regular-season home wins.
- Spread: Cowboys -6 (-112). The Cowboys usually win big at home, so we’ll back them to easily cover a touchdown in their home opener.
- Total: Over 46.5 (-108). Both offenses came out hot in Week 1, combining for 80 total points. We need far less than that for them to hit the Over.
- Prop 1: Derek Carr Over 0.5 Interceptions (-140). Carr has thrown his share of interceptions throughout his career, averaging 0.67 per game. Dallas tallied two interceptions last week and should catch at least one pass from Carr on Sunday.
- Prop 2: Ezekiel Elliott Anytime Touchdown (-125). One has to think Mike McCarthy will be feeding Zeke near the goal line, especially after watching him score in Week 1. Elliott will be extra motivated to score this week in his return to Arington.
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
