Arizona (2-5) vs. Dallas (3-4-1)
The Arizona Cardinals will face the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night at 8:25 p.m. EST, with the game broadcasted on ESPN/ABC. The BetMGM line has the Cowboys as favorites by 2.5 points. So far this season, the Cardinals have covered the spread in four out of seven games, while the Cowboys have done so in four out of eight games.
Series Record and Recent Matchup
The Cowboys hold a commanding lead in the series with a record of 56-35-1. Their most recent encounter came on September 24, 2023, when the Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 28-16 in Glendale, Arizona.
Last week, the Cardinals had a bye after losing to the Packers 27-23 on October 19, while the Cowboys fell to the Broncos 44-24.
Team Performance Metrics
In terms of overall performance, the Cardinals rank 22nd in offense, 20th in rushing, 23rd in passing, and tied for 19th in scoring. Their defense is ranked 19th overall, 12th in rushing, 25th in passing, and tied for 13th in scoring.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, are ranked 2nd in offense, 13th in rushing, 1st in passing, and 2nd in scoring. Their defense ranks 31st overall, 29th in rushing, 31st in passing, and 31st in scoring. Both teams have a turnover differential of minus-1.
Key Players to Watch
For the Cardinals, quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to return after missing two games due to a foot injury. However, his return may not be met with enthusiasm, as backup Jacoby Brissett threw for 320 yards in his absence, helping the passing offense that ranked 30th in the NFL in yards passing over the first five games of the season.
For the Cowboys, tight end Jake Ferguson was shut out in the previous game against Denver, ending a four-game streak with at least one touchdown catch. A week prior, he was catching passes at a rate not seen for a tight end in the Super Bowl era. Quarterback Dak Prescott will likely look to get Ferguson involved again.
Key Matchup
The Cardinals' defensive line, led by Calais Campbell, will face off against the Cowboys' offensive line. Campbell is set to make his 250th start and remains productive despite being in his 18th season. He has three sacks and 19 tackles this season. The pressure on Prescott has increased in recent weeks, and the Cowboys could have their projected starting five offensive linemen back for the first time since Week 2.
Key Injuries
On the Cardinals' side, cornerbacks Elijah Jones and Emari Demercado, along with safety Kitan Crawford, are hoping to return. Rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, who started the season on the physically unable to perform list, may make his NFL debut.
For the Cowboys, center Cooper Beebe is expected to return after missing six games due to a foot injury. His return will allow the offensive line to be intact for the first time since his injury. However, depth at safety is under pressure, with starters Donovan Wilson and Alijah Clark potentially missing. Juanyeh Thomas could return after missing two games due to migraines.
Series Notes
The Cardinals are aiming for their fourth consecutive win in the series and have won eight of the past nine meetings. They are also one of only two teams without a loss at AT&T Stadium, having a perfect 3-0 record there. Additionally, they are 3-0 all-time at the Cowboys on Monday night.
Stats and Additional Information
The Cardinals have lost five consecutive games by a combined 13 points, with the first three losses coming on last-second field goals. This is Arizona's 32nd Monday night game since 1970, while Dallas is making its 88th appearance, second in the NFL behind Miami's 90.
Kyler Murray has an impressive 9-0 record at AT&T Stadium, including 8-0 as a starter. Head coach Jonathan Gannon's first win as an NFL head coach came against the Cowboys in Week 3 of the 2023 season.
WR Zay Jones has accumulated 146 yards receiving on seven catches over the past two games. All seven of Arizona’s games this season have been decided by a touchdown or less. Tight end Trey McBride has had at least five receptions in nine straight games, the longest such streak among tight ends in the NFL. Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. leads the team with 53 tackles. The Cardinals have 17 players on injured lists, the second-most in the NFL.
For the Cowboys, they are one of three teams in NFL history to score at least 40 points in the first three home games. They have scored in 20 consecutive quarters, the longest active streak in the NFL. Prescott has a 5-1 record on Monday nights, with a passer rating of 121.5, second only to Lamar Jackson among quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts on Monday nights. He is tied with Tony Romo for the club record with 40 games of at least three touchdown passes.
RB Javonte Williams has nine scrimmage touchdowns (eight rushing), tied with Herschel Walker for the most through a player's first eight games with the team. DE Jadeveon Clowney has three sacks and an interception return for a touchdown in five games against the Cardinals.
Fantasy Tip
In two wins at AT&T Stadium against the Cowboys, Kyler Murray has thrown for four touchdown passes and a rushing score, throwing for 451 yards and rushing for 118 yards.