Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction: Can the Seahawks Beat the Cowboys in Preseason Week 1?

Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction: Can the Seahawks beat the Cowboys in Week 1? Get the best NFL preseason pick, odds, trends and analysis.

The best Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction is Seahawks -2.5. Seattle hosts Dallas on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Lumen Field. With Dak Prescott and Sam Darnold expected to see limited action or sit entirely, the matchup will be determined by the backup quarterbacks and deeper roster players. Seattle has the stronger quarterback rotation for preseason purposes, with Drew Lock bringing NFL starting experience and Jalen Milroe providing a significant rushing threat. The Seahawks’ home-field advantage and deeper quarterback situation make them the preferred side.

Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction: Summary

The Cowboys vs Seahawks preseason matchup presents a classic Week 1 exhibition handicap. Established starters have little reason to play extended minutes, meaning the result should be determined primarily by the second- and third-string units.

Seattle enters the game as a 2.5-point favorite, with the total around 37.5 points. The Seahawks are the preferred side because Drew Lock gives Seattle a veteran option behind Sam Darnold, while Jalen Milroe’s mobility could create problems for Dallas’ reserve defense.

Dallas has an intriguing backup quarterback situation of its own. Joe Milton III brings size, arm strength and mobility, while Will Grier provides additional NFL experience. That should keep the Cowboys competitive.

However, Seattle’s combination of quarterback depth, home-field advantage and Milroe’s rushing ability makes the Seahawks the better preseason bet.

Cowboys vs Seahawks Prediction: Seahawks -2.5

Quick Cowboys vs Seahawks Prediction

Table of Contents

• Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction
• Why Are the Seahawks Favored Against the Cowboys?
• Will Dak Prescott Play Against Seattle?
• How Does Dallas’ Backup Quarterback Situation Affect the Prediction?
• How Does Seattle’s Quarterback Depth Affect the Cowboys vs Seahawks Prediction?
• Can the Cowboys Keep the Game Close?
• Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason Betting Outlook
• Cowboys vs Seahawks Over/Under Prediction
• What Could Make the Cowboys vs Seahawks Go Under?
• Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction and Best Bet
• Follow-Up Questions
• Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction FAQ

Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction

The Dallas Cowboys travel to Seattle for their first preseason game of 2026, and the Seahawks enter as modest home favorites.

The Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction is ultimately based less on the starting quarterbacks and more on which team has the better depth once the first-team players leave.

That gives Seattle an advantage.

Dak Prescott is firmly established as Dallas’ starting quarterback, while Sam Darnold occupies the same role for Seattle. Neither team needs to expose its franchise quarterback to significant preseason contact.

Instead, the important players could be Joe Milton III, Will Grier, Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe.

Those four quarterbacks give this matchup an interesting dynamic because all have traits that can translate well to preseason football.

Seattle’s quarterback rotation, however, appears slightly better suited to the specific demands of a preseason opener.

Why Are the Seahawks Favored Against the Cowboys?

Seattle is favored by approximately 2.5 points, and there are several reasons for the number.

First, the Seahawks are playing at Lumen Field.

Second, Seattle enters the preseason as the defending Super Bowl champion, giving the team a settled roster and strong organizational continuity.

Third, the Seahawks have experienced depth at quarterback.

Drew Lock has extensive NFL starting experience and understands the Seattle organization. He should be capable of keeping the offense functional once Darnold leaves.

Jalen Milroe adds another dimension entirely.

His mobility can be especially valuable in preseason games because reserve offensive lines frequently struggle with pass protection. A mobile quarterback can turn a broken play into a first down rather than taking a sack or throwing an incompletion.

That makes Milroe an interesting player to watch in the second half.

Will Dak Prescott Play Against Seattle?

Dak Prescott is unlikely to receive significant playing time.

Dallas has already gotten competitive work during training camp and joint-practice environments, reducing the need to expose Prescott to unnecessary preseason contact.

Prescott enters his 11th NFL season as the Cowboys’ established starter. There is little left for Dallas to learn about his ability to run the offense.

The focus instead shifts toward the players competing behind him.

That means the Cowboys vs Seahawks spread should not be evaluated as a traditional matchup between Prescott and Darnold.

The majority of the game could be played by backup and developmental players.

That changes the handicap substantially.

How Does Dallas’ Backup Quarterback Situation Affect the Prediction?

Joe Milton III is the most important player to watch for Dallas.

Milton served as Prescott’s primary backup during the 2025 season and has already gained familiarity with the Cowboys’ system.

His physical tools are particularly intriguing.

Milton possesses a powerful arm and enough mobility to create plays outside the pocket. Those traits are useful in preseason football because reserve offensive lines can make conventional pocket passing difficult.

Milton has also shown the ability to produce against NFL competition. In his final game with New England, he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown while adding another rushing touchdown.

That experience should help Dallas remain competitive.

Will Grier provides another layer of experience. Although he does not have Milton’s physical upside, Grier has spent time with Dallas and understands the organization’s terminology.

The Cowboys therefore have a legitimate chance to produce enough offense to keep the game within one possession.

How Does Seattle’s Quarterback Depth Affect the Cowboys vs Seahawks Prediction?

Seattle’s quarterback depth is one of the primary reasons to favor the Seahawks.

Sam Darnold is the established starter, but his preseason workload should be limited.

Drew Lock is the key veteran behind him.

Lock has started NFL games for multiple teams and previously spent time in Seattle. His familiarity with the organization and experience operating an NFL offense should allow him to transition smoothly into preseason action.

Then there is Jalen Milroe.

Milroe enters his second professional season and already has a year in Seattle’s system. His athleticism creates a different challenge for Dallas’ reserve defense.

Seattle can use designed quarterback runs, option concepts and movement passes without exposing much of its regular-season offense.

That is particularly useful late in preseason games, when defensive depth is at its thinnest.

Milroe’s ability to escape pressure could also create explosive plays that a traditional pocket quarterback might not generate.

Can the Cowboys Keep the Game Close?

Yes.

The Cowboys should not be dismissed simply because Seattle is favored.

Milton has the athletic ability to produce against Seattle’s backups, and Dallas’ coaching staff should have plenty of opportunities to evaluate its reserve running backs and offensive linemen.

The Cowboys also have an important advantage in that Milton already understands the offensive system.

If Dallas establishes the running game, Milton and Grier will not have to carry the offense entirely themselves.

That could make the game competitive throughout.

The question is whether Dallas can produce enough offense in the fourth quarter to match Seattle’s depth.

That is where the Seahawks have the slight edge.

Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason Betting Outlook

The Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction is more attractive on the spread than the moneyline.

A spread of Seahawks -2.5 requires Seattle to win by at least three points.

That is a relatively manageable number for a preseason home favorite.

The primary concern is that preseason games can be decided by unpredictable events such as turnovers, blocked kicks and special-teams touchdowns. Those plays can completely change a two-point spread.

Nevertheless, Seattle’s quarterback rotation gives the Seahawks multiple ways to maintain offensive production.

Dallas has comparable upside with Milton, but Seattle’s combination of Lock’s experience and Milroe’s athleticism is slightly more appealing.

Cowboys vs Seahawks Over/Under Prediction

The total is around 37.5 points, and there is an argument for the Over.

Although the initial expectation is for a sloppy preseason game, both teams have capable reserve quarterbacks.

Milton can make plays with his arm and legs. Milroe offers similar dual-threat ability. Lock and Grier provide enough professional experience to execute simplified passing attacks.

That gives both teams realistic paths toward 20 points.

A score such as Seattle 23, Dallas 20 would produce 43 total points and clear the 37.5-point number comfortably.

The Over is therefore a reasonable secondary play.

However, the spread remains the preferred wager because the quarterback depth advantage gives Seattle a clearer path to controlling the game.

What Could Make the Cowboys vs Seahawks Go Under?

There are several ways this game could become a lower-scoring affair.

The first is conservative play-calling.

Because Seattle is transitioning to offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, the coaching staff may avoid showing much of its regular-season scheme.

The same applies to Dallas.

Neither team needs to reveal its most important offensive concepts during Week 1 of the preseason.

There could also be significant problems with execution.

Backup offensive linemen are frequently less reliable in protection, and young receivers can struggle with timing. That can result in stalled drives and field-goal attempts rather than touchdowns.

If both coaching staffs prioritize evaluation over scoring, the total could remain below 37.5.

Still, the quarterback mobility on both sides gives the Over multiple avenues.

Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction and Best Bet

The best Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction is Seahawks -2.5.

Seattle’s biggest advantage is not its starting quarterback. It is what happens after Sam Darnold leaves the game.

Drew Lock brings substantial NFL experience, while Jalen Milroe offers the athletic ability to create explosive plays against Dallas’ reserve defense.

Dallas has an intriguing backup quarterback in Joe Milton III, and his combination of size, arm strength and mobility should keep the Cowboys within striking distance.

But Seattle has the more complete quarterback rotation for a preseason game.

The Seahawks also have the benefit of playing at Lumen Field, where they will open their Super Bowl title defense in front of their home crowd.

The total is more difficult to predict, but Over 37.5 has some appeal because both teams have mobile quarterbacks capable of extending drives.

Final Cowboys vs Seahawks Prediction

Best Bet: Seahawks -2.5

Secondary Bet: Over 37.5

Projected Score: Seahawks 23, Cowboys 20

Seattle’s depth should ultimately be enough to cover the short home spread, while Dallas’ backup quarterbacks keep the game competitive.

Follow-Up Questions

What is the best Cowboys vs Seahawks preseason bet?

The best Cowboys vs Seahawks preseason bet is Seahawks -2.5.

Who is favored in Cowboys vs Seahawks?

The Seattle Seahawks are favored by approximately 2.5 points at home.

Will Dak Prescott play against Seattle?

Prescott is expected to see little or no action in the preseason opener.

Will Sam Darnold play against Dallas?

Darnold could receive limited preseason action, but the majority of Seattle’s quarterback snaps are expected to go to its backups.

Who is Seattle’s backup quarterback?

Drew Lock is the veteran backup quarterback, while Jalen Milroe provides a highly mobile developmental option.

What is the Cowboys vs Seahawks over/under?

The Cowboys vs Seahawks total is approximately 37.5 points.

Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction FAQ

What is the Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction?

The Cowboys vs Seahawks Preseason NFL Prediction is Seahawks -2.5.

What is the best Cowboys vs Seahawks bet?

The best bet is Seattle -2.5, with Over 37.5 as a secondary total play.

Why are the Seahawks favored?

Seattle has home-field advantage and a strong preseason quarterback rotation featuring experienced veteran Drew Lock and mobile quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Will Dak Prescott play?

Prescott is expected to have a limited workload or sit out, with Dallas focusing on its backup quarterback competition.

Who is Dallas’ backup quarterback?

Joe Milton III is expected to receive significant preseason snaps, with Will Grier also competing for opportunities.

Who is the key Seattle quarterback to watch?

Jalen Milroe is one of the most intriguing players to watch because of his mobility and ability to create plays outside the pocket.

Will Cowboys vs Seahawks go Over 37.5?

The Over is a reasonable secondary pick because both teams have quarterbacks capable of generating offense after the starters leave.

What is the predicted score for Cowboys vs Seahawks?

The projected final score is Seattle Seahawks 23, Dallas Cowboys 20.

Is Seahawks -2.5 a good preseason bet?

Yes. The short spread, home-field advantage and Seattle’s depth at quarterback make the Seahawks the preferred side in this preseason opener.