Dallas Cowboys As Underdog Betting Trend
ATS Record, ROI Analysis & Historical Performance Data (2014-2024)
The public often underestimates the Dallas Cowboys in this spot. Since 2014, when playing as as underdog, the Dallas Cowboys hold a record of 31-21-0 against the spread. That's a 0.0% win rate and a +13.8% return on investment—meaning a bettor wagering $100 per game would be up $7 over this period.
Year-by-Year Performance
| Season | Record | Win % | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 5-1-0 | 0.0% | +59.1% |
| 2015 | 1-2-0 | 0.0% | -36.4% |
| 2016 | 3-3-0 | 0.0% | -4.5% |
| 2017 | 3-3-0 | 0.0% | -4.5% |
| 2018 | 3-1-0 | 0.0% | +43.2% |
| 2019 | 4-2-0 | 0.0% | +27.3% |
| 2020 | 3-2-0 | 0.0% | +14.6% |
| 2021 | 5-0-0 | 0.0% | +90.9% |
| 2022 | 2-4-0 | 0.0% | -36.4% |
| 2023 | 2-1-0 | 0.0% | +27.3% |
| 2024 | 0-2-0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
Why This Trend Exists
The Cowboys' strong underdog performance stems from their unique psychological makeup as "America's Team" - a franchise that thrives when doubted but often struggles under the weight of expectations. When Dallas enters games as underdogs, they shed the burden of being favored and play with the chip-on-shoulder mentality that has historically defined their most successful campaigns. This psychological shift is particularly pronounced given Jerry Jones' high-profile ownership style and the constant media scrutiny that follows the franchise. Strategically, Dallas tends to perform better when game scripts force them into more aggressive offensive approaches. As underdogs, they're more likely to take calculated risks and utilize their athletic talent at skill positions rather than playing conservatively. The team's roster construction - built around explosive playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and a defense capable of creating turnovers - is better suited for games where they need to make plays rather than simply manage leads. For bettors, the key insight is recognizing when Dallas enters meaningful games as underdogs against quality opponents, as these scenarios maximize their psychological advantages while minimizing the pressure that often leads to their notorious playoff disappointments. This trend matters most during primetime games and playoff scenarios where the Cowboys can flip the narrative from expectation to opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dallas Cowboys's ATS record as as underdog?
The Dallas Cowboys have a 31-21-0 ATS record as underdogs from 2014-2024, covering the spread in 59.6% of games when not favored.
Is betting on the Dallas Cowboys as as underdog profitable?
Yes, betting on the Dallas Cowboys as underdogs has been profitable with a 13.8% ROI over the 2014-2024 period. This positive return indicates consistent value when Dallas is getting points.
How does this compare to the league average?
The Cowboys' 59.6% ATS win rate as underdogs significantly outperforms the typical league average of around 50% for underdog ATS performance. Their 13.8% ROI also exceeds what most teams deliver in underdog situations.
BACK This Trend
This trend shows a historically profitable pattern. Compare odds across sportsbooks to find the best line.
Compare Sportsbook OddsMethodology
All trends in The Archives are calculated from official game results and closing point spreads from 2014 to 2024. ROI assumes a flat $100 bet at standard -110 juice. Win rate is calculated as wins divided by total decisions (pushes excluded). A minimum of 10 games is required for a trend to be published. Data is sourced from The Odds API and verified against official league records.