Cowboys vs Raiders Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 11/17/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
DALLAS @ LAS VEGAS (DAL -3.5, 49.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
COWBOYS @ RAIDERSS 11/17/25
It's safe to assume that the NFL schedule creators anticipated the home Las Vegas Raiders and visiting Dallas Cowboys to be in far better positions than they are now when they announced the Week 11 Monday Night Football clash in mid-May.
With a four-game losing streak from Week 2 through Week 5 and another three-game drought starting in Week 7 until last Thursday's loss to the Denver Broncos, a devastating 10-7 setback that Las Vegas seemed unwilling to win, the Raiders (2-7) have had a terrible start to their first season under the renowned Pete Carroll.
If you only look at the record, the Carroll regime is in the same position as Antonio Pierce after nine games, despite all the optimism that appeased the Raiders fan base this offseason. However, a closer look at the results reveals that the Raiders have been much more competitive this season and are actually only a few poor breaks away from winning more games.
"It's been crappy, and this is not what I expected to happen," Carroll stated. "At the beginning of the season, I didn't think we would be this far behind... It's an overtime catch, a blocked kick, and a kick. Just a few more plays, better calls, better execution, and other factors could have changed the outcome of four or five of these games.
It has been a bit more of a wild journey for the Cowboys (3-5-1). In addition to struggling to a 40-40 draw in a Week 4 matchup with Green Bay, quarterback Dak Prescott's offense is scoring 40.3 points per game on average in their three victories so far. The offense has just once surpassed the 24-point mark in the Cowboys' five losses.
Additionally, Monday will be the Cowboys' first game since a tragedy occurred during the team's bye week. Defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit close to the team's Frisco, Texas, facility. Days after recovering a fumble for a score in Dallas' Nov. 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, which ended in a 27-17 victory, Kneeland was gone.
The unexpected death of a teammate last week certainly altered the lives of Cowboys organization members, but coach Brian Schottenheimer thinks Monday night will restore a much-needed sense of normalcy.
Schottenheimer remarked, "I don't think there'll be much that's different," "These boys will be thrilled to be out there doing what they love with their brothers, in my opinion.
"It serves as a diversion for them as well as for me. Many of them have experienced a great deal of tragedy in their lives. Their way out is to join their brothers in the locker room, put on their helmets, and head to the practice field. I have no doubt that we will be experiencing a wide range of emotions. I'm hoping and thinking that it won't feel all that different.
In terms of injuries, Cowboys defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (calf) missed practice all week and was declared out on Saturday. Donovan Wilson (shoulder, elbow) and Malik Hooker (toe), the starting safeties, were limited on Thursday and Friday along with four other players, but on Saturday they were full participants.
Linebacker Cody Lindenberg (Achilles) and wide receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) did not practice on Thursday, but both were fully active on Saturday for the Raiders. Despite being a full participant in practice throughout the week, quarterback Aiden O'Connell (right wrist) has been ruled out. O'Connell's 21-day window to return was opened on October 29 and he is currently on injured reserve. Veteran Kenny Pickett will back up starter Geno Smith.
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DAK PRESCOTT OVER 1.5 PASSING TDS
Prescott has gone Over this prop in 5 of 9 games this season. He’s actually only thrown one touchdown pass in the last two games combined. Prior to that, he had four straight games in which he had at least 3 touchdown passes. The Raiders pass defense is average. Tonight’s game total opened at 45.5 and is now up to 49.5 at most sportsbooks. With the expectation of points, that likely means Prescott and the Dallas passing game is going to have a day.
