Cowboys vs. Rams 2019: Latest Point Spread, Full Betting Odds, Expert Predictions For Playoff Game

After grinding out a win in the wild-card game, the Dallas Cowboys (11-6) travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams (13-3) on Saturday in an NFC divisional matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cowboys enter with more momentum, while the Rams have the healthier and more rested roster.

The two teams have head coaches eager to silence any current or potential detractors.

The Rams finished with an 11-5 record in 2017 but Sean McVay's squad gave a lackluster effort in a home playoff loss to the Atlanta Falcons, 26-13. Another early exit may have some wondering if McVay, who is just 32 years old, is simply a very good regular-season coach that isn't ready to lead a team deep into the playoffs.

Jason Garrett, who entered this season with just one playoff win, had been on the hot seat in November with a 3-5 record. But Dallas turned it around, winning seven of their last eight games to capture the NFC East title. The Cowboys squeaked out a home win Saturday over the Seattle Seahawks, 24-22, so a road win over the Rams and a trip to the NFC Championship would go a long way to diminish criticism that Garrett's teams underachieve.

The Cowboys have some notable issues working against them. They have just a 3-5 road record and will face a Rams squad that is 7-1 at home. While the Cowboys are coming off a grueling win in the wild-card round, the Rams are well rested after not really playing a meaningful game since Dec. 23. The Dallas offense is thin at wide receiver with Allen Hurns out and Cole Beasley listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Tight end Blake Jarwin is also listed as questionable.

Both teams boast elite running backs. Over 15 games, the Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott led the league in rushing yards (1,434) and also had 567 receiving yards. The Rams counter with Todd Gurley, who in 14 games finished third in rushing yards (1,251) and also had 58 receptions for 580 yards. Gurley, who had a total of 21 touchdowns, has not played since Dec. 16 but is expected to be active Saturday.

Weather Conditions

According to AccuWeather, the temperature during the game should be about 55 degrees with just 4 mph winds. There is a 6 percent chance of precipitation.

Betting Odds

ESPN's Football Power Index says the Rams have a 78.7 percent chance of winning. Betting site OddsShark.com has the Rams projected at 30.4 points and the Cowboys at 18.4 points.

The Rams have been the favorite by 7 points from the opening odds at nearly all sportsbooks. The over/under, however, has shifted from 49.5 points to 50 points and as of early Saturday morning was listed at 48.5 points.

The Rams are 7-7-2 against the spread, while the Cowboys are 9-7-1 against the spread.

Predictions

Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News: Rams

Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times: Rams

Nate Davis, USA Today: Cowboys

Max Kellerman, ESPN: Rams

Louis Riddick, ESPN: Cowboys

Trey Wingo, ESPN: Rams

Anthony Riccobono, International Business Times: Cowboys

Bobby Ilich, International Business Times: Rams