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NFL Week 2 Picks: New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys Preview and Prediction

Introduction

The Dallas Cowboys will host the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium on September 15th, 2024, in a highly anticipated Week 2 matchup. Both teams are coming off impressive Week 1 victories, but the Cowboys enter this game as 6-point favorites. Dallas will be looking to extend their 16-game home winning streak in the regular season, while the Saints, led by Derek Carr, aim to build on their dominant opening performance. With two explosive offenses and strong defenses, this game is set to be a thrilling contest in Arlington.

 

Game Odds

Odds by ESPN BET as of 10:00 AM

Team	Spread	Total	Moneyline
New Orleans Saints (1-0)	+6 (-105)	o46.5 (-110)	+220
Dallas Cowboys (1-0)	-6 (-115)	u46.5 (-110)	-270

 

Team Overview

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints kicked off their season in dominant fashion, routing the Carolina Panthers 47-10. Derek Carr was nearly flawless, completing 19 of 23 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints’ offense was balanced, with Alvin Kamara leading the ground game with 83 yards and a touchdown, while Rashid Shaheed made big plays in the passing game, recording 73 yards and a touchdown on just three catches.

Defensively, the Saints were equally impressive, holding the Panthers to just 10 points and forcing multiple turnovers. However, New Orleans faces some injury concerns heading into this matchup, with key defensive players like Marshon Lattimore, Isaiah Foskey, and Bryan Bresee listed as questionable. If these players are limited or unable to play, the Saints' defense could struggle to contain Dallas’ high-powered offense.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys also started their season with a statement win, defeating the Cleveland Browns 33-17 on the road. Dak Prescott was efficient, throwing for 179 yards and a touchdown, while Ezekiel Elliott contributed 40 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Cowboys’ offense, while not flashy, was methodical and effective, taking advantage of key opportunities to put points on the board.

Defensively, Dallas was strong, holding the Browns to just 17 points and coming up with big plays when needed. The Cowboys’ defense, led by Micah Parsons, will be key in this matchup as they look to pressure Derek Carr and force turnovers. Dallas’ secondary, which features standout cornerbacks like Trevon Diggs, will also be crucial in limiting New Orleans’ passing attack.

 

Recent Performance

Both teams are coming off dominant Week 1 victories, with the Saints dismantling the Panthers and the Cowboys cruising past the Browns. New Orleans’ offense was particularly explosive, scoring 47 points and showcasing a balanced attack. However, the Cowboys’ defense was equally impressive, limiting Cleveland to just 17 points and showing why they are considered one of the top units in the league.

Dallas’ methodical offensive approach and strong defensive play could be the difference in this game, especially if the Saints are without key defensive players. The Cowboys will look to control the tempo of the game, using their running game and efficient passing attack to keep New Orleans’ defense on its heels.

 

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing these two teams, the Cowboys have the edge, particularly on defense. Dallas’ ability to generate pressure with their front seven, led by Micah Parsons, could pose significant challenges for Derek Carr and the Saints’ offensive line. If the Cowboys can disrupt Carr’s timing and force him into mistakes, it could lead to short fields and easy scoring opportunities for Dallas.

On the offensive side, the Cowboys’ balanced attack, featuring Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, should be able to move the ball effectively against a Saints defense that may be missing key players. The Cowboys’ offensive line, one of the best in the league, should provide Prescott with the protection he needs to find his targets downfield, particularly CeeDee Lamb, who led the team in receiving yards in Week 1.

 

Key Injuries and Their Impact

Injuries could play a significant role in this game, particularly for the Saints. Marshon Lattimore, the team’s top cornerback, is questionable, and his absence would be a major blow to New Orleans’ secondary, particularly against a Cowboys offense that can spread the ball around effectively. Additionally, the potential absence of defensive linemen Isaiah Foskey and Bryan Bresee could weaken the Saints’ pass rush, giving Dak Prescott more time to make plays.

The Cowboys also have some injury concerns, particularly at tight end, where Jake Ferguson is listed as doubtful. However, Dallas’ depth at the skill positions should allow them to manage these absences effectively. The Cowboys’ offensive line, which is largely intact, should give Prescott the protection he needs to exploit any weaknesses in the Saints’ defense.

 

Coaching Matchup

The coaching matchup features Mike McCarthy of the Cowboys against Dennis Allen of the Saints. McCarthy, known for his offensive acumen, will look to capitalize on any mismatches, particularly if the Saints are missing key defensive players. McCarthy’s ability to adjust his game plan based on the opponent’s weaknesses will be crucial in this game.

Allen, a defensive-minded coach, will need to find ways to pressure Prescott and disrupt Dallas’ offense, particularly if Lattimore and other key defenders are out. Allen’s familiarity with the Cowboys, having faced them multiple times in recent years, could give him an edge in preparing his defense. However, McCarthy’s experience and the Cowboys’ home-field advantage could tilt the coaching battle in Dallas’ favor.

 

Advanced Metrics and Key Stats

Advanced metrics highlight the strengths of both teams, particularly on offense. The Saints were highly efficient in Week 1, scoring on multiple drives and converting key third downs. Derek Carr’s accuracy and decision-making were key factors in their success, and he will need to be just as sharp against a Cowboys defense that excels at creating turnovers.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, were effective in controlling the clock and converting red-zone opportunities. Dallas’ ability to finish drives with touchdowns, rather than field goals, could be a deciding factor in this game, particularly if the Saints struggle to pressure Prescott. On defense, the Cowboys ranked among the league leaders in sacks and turnovers last season, and they will look to continue that trend against Carr and the Saints.

 

Weather and Venue Impact

This game will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a controlled environment where weather won’t be a factor. The indoor setting favors both offenses, allowing them to execute their game plans without worrying about external conditions. However, the Cowboys’ home-field advantage, particularly the crowd noise, could impact the Saints’ ability to communicate and execute, especially on offense.

Dallas’ 16-game home winning streak in the regular season is a testament to their ability to perform well at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys’ familiarity with the venue and the support of their home crowd should give them a significant boost, particularly on defense, where the crowd noise could disrupt Carr and the Saints’ offense.

 

Betting Trends and Statistics

Betting trends favor the Cowboys, particularly when playing at home. Dallas has covered the spread in five of their last six home games, reflecting their strong performance at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys have also been effective as favorites, covering the spread in four of their last five games when favored by more than a field goal.

The Saints, while a strong team overall, have struggled against the spread when playing on the road, particularly against strong opponents. New Orleans is 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games, suggesting they can be vulnerable when away from the Superdome. Additionally, the Saints have had mixed results in close games, which could be a factor if this matchup comes down to the wire.

 

Player Spotlight: Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ All-Pro linebacker, will be a key player to watch in this game. Parsons’ ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends and running backs, and make tackles all over the field makes him one of the most versatile defenders in the NFL. Last season, Parsons was instrumental in helping the Cowboys’ defense rank among the league’s best in several key categories, including sacks and turnovers.

In this matchup, Parsons will be tasked with containing Alvin Kamara and pressuring Derek Carr. If Parsons can disrupt the Saints’ backfield and force Carr into mistakes, it will be difficult for New Orleans to sustain drives and put points on the board. Parsons’ impact on the game will be crucial in determining whether the Cowboys can cover the 6-point spread.

 

Prediction