Published Oct 9, 11:45am ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 9, 11:45am ET
Grok AI
Updated Oct 9, 11:45am ET
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| Carolina Panthers | +3 (+145) |
| Dallas Cowboys | -3 (-165) |
In its five games in 2025, the Cowboys have surrendered 24, 37, 31, 40, and 22 points.
They managed to win two and tie another. At 2-2-1, Dallas is in 3rd place in the NFC East, but Dak Prescott and Co. can put up enough points to beat anyone. As expected after the Micah Parsons trade, their defense has been like a sieve.
They are the worst in the league in defensive passing yards and 23rd against the rush. They are -3 in takeaway differential. For Week 6, defensive back DeRon Bland was limited in practice with a shoulder injury. Trevon Diggs was limited with a knee injury. These key parts of their pass defense being compromised will make them even more vulnerable.
Still, against the Jets, Prescott was 18 for 29 with 4 TD passes. Javonte Williams ran for 135 yards on 16 carries.
Javonte Williams this season:
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@E_TheCowboysFan) October 8, 2025
- 447 rushing yards (3rd)
- 5 rushing touchdowns (T-2nd)
- 5.8 yards per carry
- 78 receiving yards
- 1 receiving touchdown
Williams currently ranks first in the NFC in rushing yards. A true workhorse for the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/IJuqQTP2Mn
They are without CeeDee Lamb, out with an ankle injury. KaVontae Turpin did not practice with a foot issue.
As the trade deadline approaches, Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones need to decide how good this offense is and if it’s worth it to use some of the capital they amassed in the Parsons trade to boost the defense.
Trey Hendrickson?
Maxx Crosby?
Myles Garrett?
In a largely parity-laden NFC, could that make the difference for a team that lights up the scoreboard?
The Panthers are in a constant state of desperation, given owner David Tepper’s volcanic temper and reactive nature.
A long losing streak and embarrassing results could put head coach Dave Canales in the crosshairs…but after five games, they are 2-3 and have been competitive and resilient. They fought back in Week 2 against the Cardinals, nearly overcoming a 27-3 deficit despite losing. In Week 3, Carolina blew out the Falcons. They followed that up by getting gashed by the Patriots, but after New England’s upset win in Buffalo, that’s not looking too bad.
Against the Dolphins in Week 5, they came back from a 17-point deficit to win 27-24. Running back Rico Dowdle went crazy, rushing for 206 yards.
📊 Rico Dowdle vs. Miami Dolphins:
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 5, 2025
➖ 23 carries
➖ 206 rushing yards
➖ 8.95 rushing yards per carry
➖ 1 rushing touchdown
Career night. #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/50qF0LggQ4
The question remains as to whether QB Bryce Young will ever justify being the first overall draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he is not a bust. He’s accrued a 60.9 completion percentage, thrown 7 TD passes against 4 picks, and has a 79.5 passer rating.
It’s not great, but it’s not awful. They can win with it.
Their 2.5-headed backfield of Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard, and Trevor Etienne is finally showing results. Their 2025 1st round pick, receiver Tetairoa McMillan, has 24 catches.
Hubbard has been dealing with a calf issue and did not practice.
There is the foundation for a decent offense, even though they are 26th in the league in passing yards per game. They are 10th in rushing yards per game.
On defense, they are middle of the pack.
Carolina is tied with Dallas in takeaway differential.
It's hard to gauge which Panthers team shows up from week to week.
For our Cowboys vs Panthers Week 6 pick, we need to gauge two teams that are evenly matched statistically. While the Cowboys have bigger star power led by Prescott, the Panthers’ offense – specifically their backfield – can keep up with Dallas.
Both teams have shaky defenses, so the game will come down to which team prevents the big play. The Panthers need to establish the run and avoid being hypnotized by the Cowboys’ awful pass defense, putting the ball in Young’s hands and asking him to throw downfield instead of handing the ball to Dowdle.
This will be a close game with the Panthers keeping the score within 3 points.
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Pick
Carolina Panthers +3
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