Dallas enters Arizona after controlling Seattle 17-7 behind its second and third units. Arizona has already played twice, losing 33-30 before defeating Las Vegas 27-14. Both organizations will protect their established starters, but Arizona has supplied a firm quarterback plan. Gardner Minshew will play at least one half and could open the third quarter. Kedon Slovis should finish after another highly efficient appearance. Dallas will continue evaluating Sam Howell and Joe Milton for the immediate job behind Dak Prescott. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s NFL preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Cardinals vs. Cowboys prediction, preview
Howell and Milton produced one of the preseason’s cleanest combined performances. They completed 20-of-27 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Dallas allowed no sacks and converted 11-of-15 third downs. Rookie Camden Brown caught three passes for 62 yards and scored on throws from both quarterbacks. The rushing game improved after producing only 40 first-half yards. Dallas eventually finished with 137 yards across 36 carries. Injuries could disrupt that progression. Jaydon Blue has a shoulder problem, while Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda have managed rib issues.
Arizona counters with astonishing quarterback efficiency across two games. Its four quarterbacks have completed 50-of-59 passes for 514 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. Minshew completed 14-of-16 attempts against Las Vegas, producing 101 yards and two scores. Slovis has completed 16-of-19 preseason passes for 181 yards and one touchdown. Their command has allowed Mike LaFleur to evaluate the entire receiving depth chart. Jalen Brooks caught six passes for 52 yards, one touchdown, and five first downs against Las Vegas. Arizona produced 368 yards, controlled possession for 34:25, and committed only four penalties.
Dallas’ defense produced the opener’s strongest sustained performance. Seattle scored on its opening possession before gaining 76 yards across the final seven drives. Dallas allowed 156 total yards, 49 net passing yards, and 3.0 yards per play. Curtis Robinson recorded eight tackles, while James Houston and Isaiah Land generated sacks. The performance contained one major warning. Dallas surrendered 144 yards across six returns, giving Seattle an average starting position at its 42. Arizona kicker Chad Ryland has already connected from 56 yards, increasing that hidden-yardage danger.
Cowboys vs. Cardinals pick, best bet
The Cowboys can punish an Arizona defense entering its third exhibition. Dallas owns two capable quarterbacks and superior continuity across its second offensive line. Arizona will rest Brissett, its primary receivers, and most established blockers. First-round running back Jeremiyah Love remains unavailable with a high ankle sprain. Rookie guard Chase Bisontis has also reached injured reserve. Those absences reduce Arizona’s rushing ceiling and expose Minshew to Dallas’ active reserve front. The Cardinals still possess the steadier possession-to-possession quarterback play.
Arizona’s confirmed rotation provides slightly greater certainty than Dallas’ flexible evaluation plan. Minshew should receive the strongest available supporting unit before Slovis attacks bottom-roster defenders. Arizona has protected the football across 59 quarterback attempts and handled red-zone opportunities efficiently. Dallas possesses the defensive depth to keep the margin narrow, making larger Arizona numbers unattractive. The special-teams discrepancy can still manufacture one short scoring drive.
Best bet: Cardinals -1.5 at +100. Playable to: Cardinals -2.5.
Projected score: Cardinals 21, Cowboys 17.
