2011 NFL Predictions: Dallas Cowboys Will Be Thunderstruck Sunday on NBC

The San Diego Chargers (0-1) and Dallas Cowboys (1-0) continue their 2011 NFL preseason schedule Sunday night at Cowboys Stadium.  Kickoff is expected at 8:00 p.m (EST) in front of a nationally-televised audience on NBC.

San Diego has moved from a three-point road underdog to getting just a single point and comes in off a 24-17 home loss over the Seattle Seahawks.

The Chargers failed to deliver as three-point favorites in their preseason opener and were out-gained by 90 yards—including an 82-yard disparity on the ground.

Chargers head coach Norv Turner flew his team to the Lone Star State early this week to participate in two days of head-to-head practice against the Cowboys that ended Friday.

San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers could have a field day against a secondary that will be missing key components, none bigger than veteran cornerback Terence Newman (groin), who is out for the rest of training camp and the entire preseason. 

Few secondaries around the league are able to match up with the Bolts regardless of personnel, as the receiving trio of Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates are virtually unstoppable.

Turner has similar quarterback depth to Saturday’s opponent, with the luxury of bringing in veteran Billy Volek and rookie Scott Tolzien.  Both were under center for significant snaps last week and completed 11-of-22 passes for 103 yards collectively.

Dallas will likely rotate through its three quarterbacks in similar fashion to last week’s 24-23 home victory over the Denver Broncos.  Starter Tony Romo played in his first game since breaking his collarbone in the sixth game last season before giving way to veteran backup Jon Kitna and second-year player Stephen McGee.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett expects the first-team offense to play about double the snaps than the previous week, which would likely take the starters into the second quarter. 

Wide receiver Miles Austin expects to be a spectator after sitting out Friday’s practice with a strained hamstring.  His absence opens the door for North Carolina product Jesse Holley to make an impression in front of the home faithful, as he was visually impressive in practice against the Chargers.

From a betting perspective, San Diego dropped a 16-14 preseason contest as 2.5-point home favorites over the Dallas Cowboys during Week 2 of the 2010 exhibition schedule.  The Chargers out-gained the Cowboys by a 294-194 margin in that contest.

Bettors should back the Chargers due to their 3-1 ATS record as preseason underdogs under Turner, while the Cowboys are just 17-30 ATS as favorites before the regular season.