Action Network: Pick Cowboys

Matt Trebby writes: “This is an intriguing matchup to start the season. Dak Prescott is looking to get paid like teammate CeeDee Lamb and build off a very impressive 2023 regular season, while the Browns’ defense needs the offense to pick up some slack so they can become a real contender.”

Covers: Take Cowboys

Staff writes: “With both teams having similar rosters, we can use last season as an indication that Dallas should be the better team. Cleveland has a good defense, but they were still susceptible to big games, like in the playoffs last year when they gave up 45 to Houston. Dak Prescott and company will be able to go on the road and come away with a victory in their season opener.”

Winners and Whiners: Cleveland Browns

Bosun Akinpelu writes: “Even though they didn’t have their best rusher, the Browns still did a good job running the ball and had the 12th-best ground game in the league. They will be able to run the ball against a Dallas defense that gave up more than 130 rushing yards per game on the road and didn’t upgrade their defense in the offseason. Their running game will take pressure off Watson and allow him to hit big plays down the field against a secondary that will be without two of their best cornerbacks from last season, so expect them to play well offensively in this game. Go with Cleveland to cover the spread.”

Sports Illustrated: Browns 38, Cowboys 21

Anthony Moeglin writes: The Browns offense is a big question mark heading into 2024 but they get a great chance for a statement on Sunday. The Cowboys secondary is already riddled with injuries and is unproven. I expect that Ken Dorsey pass game to take advantage of Dallas’s weakness and Cleveland to light up the scoreboard. Early on the Cowboys offense will have some success but their lack of a run game will come back to haunt them. The game will be close in the first half before Cleveland pulls away in winning time.”