Cowboys vs Saints Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 3 on 8/28/2026

The Dallas Cowboys will host the New Orleans Saints in the third week of the 2026 preseason at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM, this night game will be broadcast on ESPN. Despite a clear sky forecast, the retractable roof at the stadium will likely minimize any potential impact from the hot conditions outside.

The New Orleans Saints, under head coach Kellen Moore, are currently struggling with a 0-2 record this preseason. With a disappointing 6-11 record from last regular season, the Saints are looking to improve their performance. Their recent game against the Los Angeles Rams resulted in a tough 34-0 loss.

On the other side, the Dallas Cowboys, led by head coach Brian Schottenheimer, hold a perfect 2-0 record in the preseason so far. The Cowboys are aiming to build on their victories over the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks. Their recent 34-13 win against the Cardinals showcased their strong preseason form.

Cowboys vs Saints At a Glance (Preseason Week 3)

• The New Orleans Saints are entering this preseason game with a record of 0-2.
• The Dallas Cowboys hold a 2-0 record in the 2026 preseason so far.
• This is the 2026 preseason Week 3 game, played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
• The game will be played under a retractable roof, minimizing weather impact.
• The Cowboys are favored with a moneyline of -128 compared to the Saints at +107.
• The total over/under for the game is set at 38.5 points.

Dallas Cowboys Charge Into Preseason Showdown with New Orleans Saints

Offensive Performance

The Dallas Cowboys displayed a strong offensive showing in the 2025 regular season, ranking 6th with an average of 27.7 points per game. Their offensive yards were ranked 2nd, totaling 6,663 yards over the season. They maintained a balanced attack, ranking 2nd in passing yards and 9th in rushing yards.

In the 2026 preseason, the Cowboys continued their offensive prowess with an average of 25.5 points per game, ranking 3rd. Their rushing game has been particularly impressive, leading the league with an average of 156 rushing yards per game.

Defensive Highlights

Defensively, the Cowboys struggled during the 2025 regular season, allowing the most points in the league. They ranked 30th in opponent offensive yards, indicating a significant area for improvement. However, they were effective in generating takeaways, ranking 9th in that category.

In contrast, the 2026 preseason has shown a marked improvement, with the Cowboys allowing just 10 points per game, ranking 4th. Their pass defense has been particularly strong, limiting opponents to 119.5 passing yards per game, which is 3rd best in the league.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Joe Milton III has been a standout player in the preseason, throwing for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns over two games. Wide receiver Camden Brown has also made a significant impact with 139 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.

On the ground, running back Jaydon Blue has shown his capabilities with 94 rushing yards, providing a dynamic element to the Cowboys' offensive attack. Defensively, safety Alijah Clark has been notable with strong solo and assisted tackle numbers.

Injury Report

The Cowboys will be without key players due to injuries. Offensive lineman Matt Hennessy is out for the season with a neck injury, while tight end Princeton Fant and defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam are also sidelined for the year.

These absences could impact both the offensive line's protection and the defensive front's ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Cowboys will need their depth players to step up in these roles.

Betting Trends

• The Cowboys have gone 7-0 in Over/Under in their last 7 home preseason games.
• They are 7-0 in Over/Under in their last 7 away regular season games from 2025.
• Dallas has a 100% Over/Under record as favorites in the last 5 preseason games.
• The team is undefeated in the last 3 preseason games both straight up and against the spread.
• They are 3-0 in Over/Under for preseason games with totals under 42 points in the last 3 games.

The New Orleans Saints Prepare for a Showdown Against the Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback Dynamics

The New Orleans Saints' quarterback position appears competitive, with Tyler Shough expected to take the lead. Shough did not accumulate passing yards in the preseason but is considered a key player in the Saints' offense. Backing him up are Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson, who have been active in the preseason games.

Spencer Rattler has thrown for 183 yards, while Zach Wilson has contributed 200 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Their performance in this game could be pivotal for the Saints' offensive strategy.

Running Game Challenges

The Saints' running game has been hampered by injuries, most notably to Alvin Kamara, who is out with a knee injury. This places increased responsibility on Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Neal to lead the ground attack. Devin Neal has rushed for 7 yards in the preseason, showing some potential for growth.

Kendre Miller, with 22 rushing yards in the preseason, could also play a significant role in the backfield. The running game will need to step up to support the passing offense.

Receiving Core Overview

The Saints' receiving core features Chris Olave, who had an impressive last season with 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Jalen Moreno-Cropper has been active in the preseason with 83 receiving yards across two games. He is expected to complement Olave in the passing game.

Barion Brown and Kevin Austin Jr. are also potential targets, with Brown recording 53 receiving yards in a single preseason game. The depth in the receiving core is vital for the Saints to diversify their offensive play-calling.

Defensive Outlook

Defensively, the Saints have shown strengths in their pass rush, ranking 4th in sacks during the preseason. This will be crucial against the Cowboys' offensive line. The secondary, featuring players like Lorenzo Styles Jr., will need to improve their performance against the pass.

The defense's ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers will be key factors in their strategy against Dallas. The Saints will aim to leverage their defensive strengths to control the game's tempo.

Betting Trends

• The Saints have covered the spread in their last six regular-season games from 2025.
• They are 5-0 against the spread in their last five regular-season games as underdogs from 2025.
• In their last five away games in the regular season from 2025, the Saints are also 5-0 against the spread.
• The team is 4-1 straight up in their last five regular-season games from 2025.
• For games with totals of 42 or less, the Saints are 5-0 against the spread in the regular season from 2025.

Cowboys vs Saints Prediction: Over 38.5

The Dallas Cowboys have consistently shown strong offensive performances during the preseason, ranking 3rd in points per game with 25.5. In their last seven preseason home games, they've hit the over each time, indicating their ability to consistently score and allow points.

On the other side, the New Orleans Saints have struggled defensively in the preseason, allowing 29 points per game. Their defense, ranked 23rd in points allowed, may have difficulty containing the Cowboys' potent offense.

The Cowboys' trend of hitting the over as favorites, paired with the Saints' defensive struggles, supports a high-scoring game. With both teams possessing vulnerabilities on defense, the total points are likely to exceed 38.5.

Given these factors, the predicted outcome aligns with a higher-scoring contest. Expect the Cowboys to win with a final score of 27-17, pushing the total over 38.5.

• Cowboys vs Saints Prediction: Over 38.5
• Cowboys vs Saints Score: Cowboys 27 - Saints 17

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