Cowboys vs. Chargers: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

After missing the playoffs three years in a row, the Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to start the season 3-1 with a road win against the San Diego Chargers in Week 4. 

Dallas' impressive 31-7 victory at home in Week 3 against the St. Louis Rams was punctuated by a breakout performance by running back DeMarco Murray, who rushed for 175 yards and a touchdown. 

Heading into San Diego, the Cowboys appear to be a team bound for postseason play. 

Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense will test Monte Kiffin's defense, however.

Rivers appears to be rejuvenated under new head coach Mike McCoy and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. Through three games, he's thrown eight touchdown passes with just one interception. 

San Diego's defense has fallen apart in its two losses, though, allowing fourth-quarter comebacks by the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. 

Here's what you need to know about this upcoming contest. 

When: Sunday, Sept. 29, at 4:25 p.m. ET

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Calif.

Watch: FOX

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Covers) 

• Over/Under: 46.5 pts.
• Spread: San Diego (+2)

Cowboys Injury Report (via DallasCowboys.com) 

NAME	POSITION	INJURY	WED.	THU.	FRI.	GAME STATUS
Austin, Miles	WR	Hamstring	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
Claiborne, Morris	CB	Shoulder	FP	FP	FP	Probable
Harris, Dwayne	WR	Hip	DNP	DNP	LP	Questionable
Sims, Ernie	LB	Groin	FP	FP	FP	Probable
Ware, DeMarcus	DE	Neck	LP	LP	LP	Probable

Chargers Injury Report (via Chargers.com) 

NAME	POSITION	INJURY	WED.	THU.	FRI.	GAME STATUS
Butler, Donald	ILB	Groin	FP	FP	FP	Probable
Clary, Jeromey	G-T	Clavicle	DNP	DNP	DNP	Doubtful
Dunlap, King	T	Concussion	DNP	DNP	DNP	Questionable
Floyd, Malcom	WR	Neck	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
Fluker, D.J.	T	Concussion	FP	FP	FP	Probable
Freeney, Dwight	OLB	Not Injury Related	LP	FP	-	-
Hardwick, Nick	C	Shin	LP	FP	FP	Probable
Rinehart, Chad	G	Toe	DNP	DNP	DNP	Doubtful
Te'o, Manti	ILB	Foot	FP	FP	FP	Probable
Wright, Shareece	CB	Hamstring	DNP	DNP	DNP	Questionable

Will DeMarco Murray Have Another Monster Game?

It's been a long time since the Cowboys have had a consistent running game. 

DeMarco Murray looked like he might change that when he burst onto the scene midway through the 2011 season, but he's had trouble with consistency—as have Dallas' offensive play-callers.

New offensive coordinator Bill Callahan wants to establish a physical brand of football this year, and he finally got it in Week 3 when Murray owned St. Louis' defense for four quarters. 

The Cowboys dominated the line of scrimmage, and the effective running game Murray provided allowed quarterback Tony Romo time in the pocket to make proper reads on passing plays. 

If Murray can have another big game against the Chargers, the Cowboys should win their third game of the season. 

Prediction

San Diego's defense is a real problem. 

The secondary is highly exploitable, and the front seven has been atrocious against the run, allowing 5.1 yards per carry this year. 

The Cowboys have too many talented playmakers on offense to not take advantage.

On the other side, Dallas' defensive front has been playing outstanding football. DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher have been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, while Bruce Carter is blossoming into a Pro-Bowl caliber player in Kiffin's 4-3 scheme. 

The Cowboys should win this game. 

Final Score 

Cowboys win 31-27

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