Dolphins vs. Cowboys: Full Preview of 2013 Hall of Fame Preseason Opener

The 2013 NFL preseason kicks off on Sunday with the Hall of Fame game in Canton featuring the Dallas Cowboys squaring off against the Miami Dolphins.

The start of preseason can mean only one thing; regular season football is coming.

While there is no comparing the battle we’ll see in Canton on Sunday with the games we'll see this fall, the feeling of having football is back, and the fans that have missed it so dearly will get the fix that they need.

Here is all the information you need to enjoy Dallas vs. Miami.

Where: Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio

When: Sunday, August 4 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Listen Live: Online at NFL Audio Pass

Betting Line (via Covers)

Over/Under: 33; Spread: Dallas +2.5

The problem with betting on Sunday’s game is the fact that the starters won’t play very much at all. While trying to gauge a regular-season game is hard enough, wagering on the preseason is the ultimate gamble.

If you have to make a bet, go with the over (since 33 is low) and take Dallas with the points.

Injury Report (via ESPN)

Dallas

Kevin Kowalski, C, Out (knee)         

Dez Bryant, WR, Probable (hip)

Morris Claiborne, CB, Probable (migraine)   

Barry Church, S, Probable (root canal)

Cole Beasley, WR, Probable (quad)

Miami

Rishard Matthews, WR, Out (undisclosed)

John Jerry, G, Out (knee)

Brian Hartline, WR, Questionable

Cowboys Player to Watch: Kyle Orton, QB

After undergoing back surgery this offseason, the biggest question coming into the Hall of Fame game was whether or not Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo would take any snaps or if the team would play it safe and sit him.

According to Marc Sessler of NFL.com, Romo will not make the start for the Cowboys on Sunday. That leaves the door wide open for backup Kyle Orton to get the start.

Per Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com, Romo wanted to play in the first preseason game.

Romo is under immense pressure to bring the team to the postseason, but with the team wanting to play it safe with his health, this is an opportunity Orton can’t waste.

Dolphins Player to Watch: Mike Wallace, WR

The Miami Dolphins have many storylines to watch heading into the preseason, but the biggest will be the focus on the offseason free-agent signing of wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Miami signed Wallace to a five-year deal worth $60 million, and the expectations for the talented player are now through the roof. The Dolphins expect huge results from their investment.

In the Hall of Fame game, the fans and other teams will be studying how the relationship between Wallace and quarterback Ryan Tannehill has developed thus far. With Tannehill’s big arm, the combination of him and Wallace could prove to be very dangerous.

Prediction: Miami 20, Dallas 17

Follow @Donald_Wood