Jaguars vs Cowboys Prediction - NFL Picks 8/12/23

Dallas Cowboys (0-0) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0)

Game Info: Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 5:00 pm (AT&T Stadium)

Betting Odds: Dallas Cowboys +2.5 -- Over/Under: 32.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys do battle Sunday afternoon in a NFL Week 1 preseason game at AT&T Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Preview

The Jaguars are coming off a 9-win season and now look for back to back playoff trips for the first time since 1998-99. Given the youth of the roster, the Jags return most of last year's squad and don’t have any glaring camp battles that need to be addressed. However, Dawuane Smoot remains questionable for the season opener after suffering an injury last December. That turns attention to guys like K'Lavon Chaisson, Yasir Abdullah and Jordan Smith to step up and strengthen the defensive line. The Jags are also looking for a reliable nickel, which should be Tre Herndon, somebody who has 30 career starts under his belt. However, there’s a gang of youngsters fighting for playing time, starting with Montaric Brown, Erick Hallett and Gregory Junior. For the first time in a long time, the Jaguars look like a functional team heading into preseason play.

Dallas Cowboys Betting Preview

The Cowboys are fresh off back to back 12 win seasons and now have a chance to make the playoffs 3 straight seasons for the first time since 1994-96. It’s already being reported that Dak Prescott won’t participate in this contest, which means get ready for a lot of Cooper Rush and Will Grier. One of the main question marks is where Tyler Smith lines up on the offensive line, as he’s penciled in for left guard currently but could become the left tackle depending on how Tyron Smith holds up. Also, is running back Malik Davis ready for an expanded role now that Ezekiel Elliott remains a free agent. There’s kicking issues in the Big D as well, as Tristan Vizcaino was released earlier this week. Brandon Aubrey, the only kicker on the Cowboys roster currently and a USFL product, has been hit or miss in his efforts as well. If the Cowboys are going to get over the hump this season, the last thing it needs to worry about is an idiot kicker, in the words of Peyton Manning.

Trends

The Jaguars are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Cowboys are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games and 22-8 ATS in their last 30 games on fieldturf. The under is 4-1 in Jaguars last 5 games overall. The under is 4-0 in Cowboys last 4 games overall. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

Randy’s Pick

As Ive said in previous write-ups, I have a hard time laying anything more than a field goal in preseason action. And while Prescott and other Cowboys starters likely aren't going to play, you can say the same about the Jaguars, a team that has a deep playoff run in mind. This is going to be a game between backups, and we know how that can play out. These games are toss-ups. I'll take my chances with the Cowboys at home and the free points.