The O.K. Corral has nothing on the Cowboys-Chargers when it comes to shootout time. The oddsmaker knows this setting a high total in this matchup. It's just not high enough given the circumstances and when you break down the matchup.
Mike McCarthy knows the best defense is a good offense because his Cowboys can't stop anybody. Dallas surrendered the second-most yards in franchise history last season and the most points at nearly 30 a game. Tom Brady threw for 379 yards and four TD's in the Buccaneers' 31-29 opening week victory versus Dallas.
Now the Cowboys face emerging superstar Justin Herbert likely minus their two best pass rushers. DeMarcus Lawrence is out with a broken foot suffered in practice and Randy Gregory tested positive for COVID-19.
Dak Prescott has averaged 51.8 passes in five games since McCarthy took over. He's thrown for at least 400 yards in the past four games he's finished. Prescott has a deep set of wide receivers, two decent tight end targets and Elliott Elliott is an elite running back. LA is minus cornerback Chris Harris, out with a shoulder injury.
Herbet threw for 337 yards against a much superior Washington defense last week. He, too, has very good wideouts, an excellent all-purpose back in Austin Ekeler and a much-improved offensive line that gave up only two sacks on Herbert's 49 dropbacks against Washington.
(Football totals guru Stephen Nover is 8-2 on his college football totals this season and 15-7-1 on his last 23 NFL Over/Unders going back to last season and counting preseason.)