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The Dallas Cowboys have started strong, posting back-to-back victories after losing their season-opener against reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay on a last-second field goal. In 2020, Dallas did not register its third win until Week 11 at Minnesota. The Cowboys can reach the mark on Sunday, when they host the undefeated Carolina Panthers. Dallas (2-1) has scored at least 20 points in every game thus far following its 41-21 triumph over Philadelphia on Monday night, while Carolina (3-0), which will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey (hamstring), has yet to allow more than 14 in a contest.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.  is set for 1 p.m. ET. Dallas is a four-point favorite in the latest Cowboys vs. Panthers odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total points scored is 51.5. Before locking in any Panthers vs. Cowboys picks, make sure you check out the latest NFL Week 4 predictions from SportsLine's proven projection model.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up almost $7,900 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception six-plus years ago. It went a sizzling 24-14 on top-rated NFL picks last season, returning more than $800. The model also enters Week 4 of the 2021 season on an incredible 123-81 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season.

The model also ranked in the Top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past five years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94 percent of CBS Sports Football Pick'em players four times during that span. Anyone who has followed it is way up.

Now, the model has set its sights on Cowboys vs. Panthers on Sunday and just released its Week 4 NFL picks. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are the Vegas NFL odds and betting lines for Panthers vs. Cowboys:

  • Cowboys vs. Panthers spread: Dallas -4
  • Cowboys vs. Panthers over-under: 51.5 points 
  • Cowboys vs. Panthers money line: Dallas -200, Carolina +170
  • DAL: Cowboys are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games 
  • CAR: Panthers are 9-2 against the spread in their last 11 contests as underdogs

Why the Cowboys can cover

Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes against the Eagles in Week 3, including two to tight end Dalton Schultz. It was the first career multi-TD performance by the 25-year-old Schultz, who had only four scoring catches in his first 45 NFL contests. Prescott, who missed Dallas' final 11 games last year due to an ankle injury, has completed a league-best 77.5 percent of his pass attempts and only been intercepted twice.

The Cowboys' biggest weakness in 2020 was their defense, which was 31st against the run (158.8). It has improved dramatically through three games this season, ranking sixth with an average of 70.3 rushing yards allowed per game. Dallas also is first in the NFL with eight takeaways and has recorded at least two in seven consecutive contests dating back to last season, which is the longest active streak in the league.

Why the Panthers can cover

Carolina is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2015, when it won its first 14 games, thanks in large part to its defense. The Panthers are first in the NFL in total defense (191 yards), passing defense (146), rushing defense (45) and sacks (14) while ranking second in scoring defense 10 points allowed). Linebacker Haason Reddick (4.5) and defensive end Brian Burns (three) have combined to register more than half of the team's sacks, with the former ranking third in the league.

The Panthers also have performed well on the other side of the ball, as they are 10th in total offense (390.3) and eighth in passing (284.7). One of the main reasons for the success is quarterback Sam Darnold, who is coming off back-to-back 300-yard passing performances. The 24-year-old, who was selected with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, is also tied for the league lead with three rushing touchdowns. 

How to make Cowboys vs. Panthers picks

SportsLine's model is leaning under on the point total. It says neither Prescott nor Darnold throws two or more touchdown passes. It also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only get the model's Cowboys vs. Panthers ATS pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Panthers vs. Cowboys? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Cowboys vs. Panthers spread to back on Sunday, all from the advanced model that is up almost $7,900 on its top-rated NFL picks, and find out.