2025 NFL Preseason: Cowboys vs. Rams Game Guide

The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams meet for their first game of the 2025 NFL preseason on Saturday, August 9, at SoFi Stadium. Matthew Stafford is unlikely to play due to a back disc injury, with backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett IV expected to take the field. The game will be streamed on NFL+ and broadcast on local channels in Los Angeles and Dallas.

The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams will face off in the 2025 NFL preseason on Saturday, August 9, at SoFi Stadium. The game will be streamed on NFL+ and broadcast on local channels in Los Angeles and Dallas. Matthew Stafford is unlikely to participate due to a back disc injury, with backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett IV expected to take the field [3].

The Rams' 2025 preseason schedule begins with this home game against the Cowboys. The Rams' head coach, Sean McVay, has highlighted several players to watch, including rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield, running back Jarquez Hunter, and inside linebacker Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr. [1]. Mumpfield, a seventh-round pick out of Pittsburgh, has drawn praise for his route separation and body control. Hunter, a former Auburn player, boasts a 4.44-second 40-yard dash time and a history of breakaway runs. Paul Jr., the Rams' first inside linebacker drafted since 2021, will be making his debut after recovering from a calf injury.

The Cowboys, who went 7-10 last season, have a new head coach in Brian Schottenheimer. They have added talent with the acquisition of George Pickens and high-upside draft picks, but will be without Jaydon Blue due to a bone bruise [2]. The Rams, who won the NFC West last season, have replaced Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams, another aging star.

The Cowboys are favored to win the game by 1.5 points, with the game total set at 33.5 points. The over/under line is considered a worthwhile pick, given the typical scoring in preseason games [2]. The Rams' preseason games often see high scoring, with the first-stringers typically exiting early. The game is expected to be a sloppy affair, with plenty of veteran players on the sidelines.

Injuries are a concern for both teams. Stafford's back injury is a significant worry for the Rams, while the Cowboys are without Jaydon Blue. The game will provide an opportunity for players on the fringes of the depth chart to earn roster spots. The Rams will be particularly interested in the performance of their rookies and young players, including Mumpfield, Hunter, and Paul Jr. [1].

The preseason game will be a chance for the Rams to test their new players and for the Cowboys to get a glimpse of their new talent. The game will be a showcase of young talent and a chance for coaches to make adjustments before the regular season begins.

References:
[1] https://www.therams.com/news/5-players-to-watch-rams-vs-cowboys-2025-preseason-week-1
[2] https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2025/08/09/los-angeles-rams-vs-dallas-cowboys-prediction-pick-for-nfl-preseason-week-1-on-saturday-8-9-25/
[3] https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-back-injury-update-preseason-2025-training-camp-jared-verse-kevin-dotson-poona-ford