Chargers at Cowboys: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

We’re getting ready to see the Dallas Cowboys host the Los Angeles Chargers on Thanksgiving Day. Which team will prevail in this contest?

The Los Angeles Chargers are two games below .500 (4-6) but find themselves within striking range of the slumping Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC West. The Dallas Cowboys own a 5-5 mark, but trail the Philadelphia Eagles by four games in the NFC East six weeks to play.

Jason Garrett’s team has had quite the distressing eight-day stretch. Consecutive losses to the Falcons in Atlanta (27-7) and to the Eagles at home (37-9) saw the defending division champions whacked by a combined 64-16 score.

Meanwhile, the Bolts came out last weekend and schooled Bills’ rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman. They won’t have that same luxury against Cowboys’ second-year signal-caller Dak Prescott.

So what should expect on Thanksgiving afternoon is this matchup of perplexing squads?

Odds

Line: Pick ‘em

Over/Under: 47.5

Courtesy of OddsShark, you can take your choice when it comes to the Bolts and the ‘Boys even with this game taking place in Dallas and Jason Garrett’s team more than accustomed to playing on this holiday. But can these two teams combine to surpass that total of 47.5?

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The Dallas Cowboys obviously look like a different team without running back Ezekiel Elliott, left tackled Tyron Smith and middle linebacker Sean Lee. But we could see the perennial Pro Bowl blocker on Turkey Day. And that adds up to bad news for a Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive unit that has allowed the most rushing yards in the league. And look for Demarcus Lawrence and the pass rush to present Rivers with plenty of issues. This one should be fun.

Pick: Cowboys 31, Chargers 20