If the Dallas Cowboys know one thing, it’s how to score points.
With Dak Prescott at the helm, Dallas is a “shoot first, play defense later” squad and brings that high-powered attack to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 6.
My early Cowboys vs. Panthers predictions and NFL picks expect that offense to help the road team cover on October 12.
Cowboys vs Panthers predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Cowboys vs Panthers spread pick: Cowboys -3.5
The Dallas Cowboys are laying -3.5 on the road and face a couple of sticky situational spots in Week 6.
Not only could they look past the Carolina Panthers with a key NFC East game vs. Washington waiting in Week 7, but this is the team’s second straight road game and third away outing in four weeks.
That said, the Cowboys are a much tougher offensive foe for this poor Carolina defense than Miami was in Week 5. The Dolphins stalled out after jumping out to a big lead, but Dallas is rated among the best scoring offenses in the NFL.
Dallas could get much healthier as well. The offensive line was missing bodies in Sunday’s blowout of the Jets, and star WR CeeDee Lamb could be back in action after doing rehab work at practice last week.
Should this game turn into a shootout, I don’t think Bryce Young is good enough to keep pace with Dak Prescott & Co.
I’ll lean towards Dallas -3.5 right now, as Lamb's status could push this point spread up to -4 or higher if he's good to go.
Early Cowboys vs Panthers total pick: Over 48.5
This total opened at 47.5 points and is quickly climbing, with some books dealing the Over/Under at 50 points.
The Cowboys can put up points in a hurry and have been effective both through the air and on the ground, with RB Javonte Williams thriving in this offense. Dallas is averaging 6.1 yards per play and ranks as the No. 6 offense in success rate, which means it consistently moves the chains.
Carolina’s defense continues to be a sore spot. The Panthers have given up a ton of points to teams worse than Dallas. The pass rush isn’t generating any disruptions, and leaving Prescott time in the pocket allows for the Cowboys’ big-play offense to strike.
Dallas isn’t great defensively, either. The Cowboys rank among the bottom stop units in the land, and while Young has his miscues, there are plenty of weapons around him in Charlotte.
With the total market trending upwards, I’m leaning Over 48.5 points.
Cowboys vs Panthers odds
- Cowboys vs. Panthers spread: Panthers +3.5
- Cowboys vs. Panthers moneyline: Cowboys +158, Panthers -188
- Cowboys vs. Panthers Over/Under: 48.5
How to watch Cowboys vs Panthers
- Cowboys vs. Panthers matchup
- Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Charlotte, NC
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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