Dallas Cowboys Betting Preview: 2026 Odds, Offseason Moves and Future Prospects
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with a renewed focus on strengthening their defense, after finishing with one of the league's worst units in recent years. Under Brian Schottenheimer, who takes the helm as head coach, the Cowboys scored 471 points last season, maintaining a playoff presence from 2021-23. However, their defensive struggles have led to significant offseason changes, including: Trade for Rashan Gary to bolster the pass rush Signing safety Jalen Thompson for $33 million Drafting Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence with their first-round picks As of June 1, the betting odds reflect a movement towards optimism: Over win total: 9.5 (+115) Under win total: 9.5 (-140) Miss playoffs: -122 Make playoffs: +102 Win NFC East: +235 Win Super Bowl: +2500 The Cowboys have had a mixed bag of results in previous seasons, with notable trends: 2025: +6000, 7.5 wins (Under) 2024: +2000, 10 wins (Under) 2023: +1400, 9.5 wins (Over, 12 wins) Despite only three losing seasons from 2005-23, the past two years have seen a decline, with the offense consistently strong but the defense faltering. In 2025, the offense ranked 2nd in yards per game, while the defense was 30th. The offseason has seen considerable player movement, with key additions like Jalen Thompson and first-round picks expected to make an impact. The success of the defense hinges on new coordinator Christian Parker, who aims to build a cohesive unit capable of supporting the high-scoring offense led by Dak Prescott. Looking ahead, the Cowboys face a challenging schedule, including: Week 1: @NYG Week 3: BAL (in Rio) Week 6: @GB Week 12: PHI (Thanksgiving) With a focus on bolstering their defense, the Cowboys' potential for a surprise run this season will depend on their ability to gel quickly. For bettors, the Miss playoffs option at -120 may be worth considering, given the competitive landscape of the NFC East.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-06-01