Cowboys' Star Power: NFL Focus

Training Camp Spotlight: Cowboys' Star Power and Unsettled Depth

Everything's bigger in Texas—including the media circus at Cowboys training camp. With Jerry and Stephen Jones perched above the field like old-school football royalty, the atmosphere is more Hollywood than hard-nosed. But beneath the glitz, there's a team grinding through some key questions that could define their 2025 season—and your betting angles.

Dak Prescott looks dialed in, slinging it with confidence and rhythm after recovering from hamstring surgery. That's good news for anyone bullish on Dallas' passing game props. CeeDee Lamb is locked in as a WR1, but it's the emerging chemistry with George Pickens that's turning heads. Pickens' deep-ball prowess—he caught 12 passes of 30+ air yards last season, second-most since 2006—could be the piece that finally opens up this vertical attack. DFS players and season-long fantasy managers, take note—Pickens may be a sneaky WR2 with WR1 upside in this offense.

The running back room remains a riddle. Javonte Williams (3-year, $9M deal) and Miles Sanders lead the veteran contingent, while rookies Jaydon Blue (5th round) and Phil Mafah (Clemson bruiser) are flashing potential. Until someone separates, this is a backfield to avoid in early-season betting markets. However, Blue's gadget role and pass-catching ability (42 catches, 368 yards, 6 TDs in college) could make him a tasty longshot for first touchdown scorer props if he carves out red zone duties.

Defensive Depth and Dante Fowler's Impact

Veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is back in Big D and brings more than just sacks—he's a tone-setter. His praise for the young pass rush group should perk up ears: Sam Williams looks explosive again, and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku (first-round pick) is turning heads alongside Marshawn Kneeland. It's a reminder that Dallas could be scary deep off the edge—even if Micah Parsons is the headliner.

Still, the secondary remains a concern. If you're shopping for early-season overs on opponent passing yards or looking at game totals, Dallas might be a team to target. They're aggressive up front, but until their corners prove consistent, expect shootouts—especially against teams with elite WR units.

DeMarvion Overshown, returning from injury and currently on IR, embodies the Cowboys' defensive hope: fast, aggressive, and hungry. If he can stay healthy and live up to expectations, this defense's ceiling rises considerably. But until then, lean into volatility—Dallas might be a classic "bend but break the over" team early in the year.

Coach Watch: Schottenheimer's Proving Ground

Brian Schottenheimer's coaching journey reads like a football soap opera, but this could be his breakout moment. Named head coach in January 2025 after Mike McCarthy's departure, the 51-year-old son of legendary coach Marty Schottenheimer brings emotional connection and NFL lineage. He's always been a better motivator than tactician, but in this environment—with talent and structure already in place—he may finally have the right fit.

If Dallas starts hot under Schottenheimer's leadership, don't be surprised if his four-year deal gets extended early. Bettors looking at season win totals should note the continuity factor—he knows the players, the building, and the system, having served as offensive coordinator the past two seasons.

Key Takeaways

• Dak Prescott and George Pickens are a budding duo to watch—and bet on after their May trade
• Dallas' RB room features veterans Williams and Sanders with rookie sleeper Jaydon Blue
• The Cowboys' defense is deep up front with Fowler and Ezeiruaku but vulnerable in the secondary