Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Can Dallas Cover +1.5 Against Arizona?

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Can Dallas cover +1.5 against Arizona, and will the Cowboys and Cardinals stay Under 37.5?

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Direct Answer

The Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction favors Dallas getting 1.5 points on the road against Arizona in Saturday night’s Week 2 matchup at State Farm Stadium. The Cowboys looked extremely efficient in their preseason opener, defeating Seattle 17-7 while producing 338 total yards, converting 11 of 15 third downs and allowing only seven points. Arizona was also impressive in its latest outing, defeating Las Vegas 27-14 while completing 26 of 30 passes and generating 368 total yards.

Those performances make the spread difficult to handicap, but Dallas has the more compelling value because the Cowboys are receiving points after demonstrating strong depth on both sides of the football.

The total also deserves consideration. Arizona’s offense was highly efficient against the Raiders, but Dallas’ defense allowed Seattle to score only once and then completely shut down the Seahawks. The Cowboys also controlled possession and avoided turnovers, creating a game script that supports another relatively low-scoring contest.

Pick: Dallas Cowboys +1.5

Pick: Under 37.5

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 20, Arizona Cardinals 17

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction and Betting Odds

The Week 2 preseason matchup brings together two teams that enter Saturday night with encouraging results from their most recent games. Dallas is 1-0 after defeating Seattle, while Arizona is 1-1 overall after participating in the Hall of Fame Game and then beating Las Vegas.

Betting Market | Cowboys | Cardinals
Point Spread | +1.5 | -1.5
Moneyline | +107 | -130
Total | Under 37.5 | Over 37.5
Location | State Farm Stadium | Glendale, Arizona
Kickoff | 10:00 p.m. ET | Saturday, August 22

Arizona is a small home favorite, but the Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction suggests that the number gives Dallas enough value to take the points.

A 1.5-point preseason spread is particularly vulnerable to late-game swings. Backup quarterbacks and players competing for roster spots will handle significant portions of the game, meaning the result can change quickly during the fourth quarter.

That makes Dallas +1.5 preferable to laying points with Arizona.

The Under 37.5 is also attractive, although Arizona’s recent offensive production makes it the more difficult part of the handicap.

Dallas Cowboys Betting Preview

Dallas enters Week 2 with plenty of positives following its 17-7 victory over Seattle.

The Cowboys did not simply win the game. They controlled large portions of it.

Dallas finished with 338 total yards, compared with only 156 for Seattle. The Cowboys also held the ball for 32:55 and produced 21 first downs.

Even more impressive was the third-down performance.

Dallas converted 11 of 15 third-down attempts, allowing the offense to consistently extend drives. That kind of efficiency is especially valuable in preseason football because extended drives allow coaches to evaluate multiple players while simultaneously keeping the opposing offense off the field.

The Cowboys also ran effectively.

Dallas rushed for 137 yards on 36 attempts, giving the offense balance and preventing Seattle from simply pinning its ears back against the passing game.

Most importantly, the Cowboys did not turn the ball over.

That combination of efficient passing, productive rushing, third-down conversions and ball security is exactly what a coaching staff wants to see during the preseason.

The Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction therefore begins with a Dallas roster that already demonstrated it can play complementary football despite relying heavily on reserve players.

Sam Howell and Joe Milton III Provide Dallas With Depth

The quarterback performance may be the most encouraging aspect of Dallas’ preseason opener.

Sam Howell started the game and completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. He posted a 118.1 passer rating and helped Dallas establish offensive rhythm early.

Joe Milton III was even more efficient statistically.

Milton completed 12 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, producing a 118.6 passer rating.

That gives Dallas two quarterbacks who demonstrated the ability to move the offense efficiently.

Preseason games are heavily influenced by quarterback depth because starters often play limited snaps or sit altogether. A team that can keep its offense functioning after the starting quarterback leaves has a significant advantage.

Dallas showed exactly that.

Howell provided efficient production early, and Milton maintained that production in the second half.

That is important for the Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction because Arizona also has an interesting quarterback room. If both teams rotate quarterbacks effectively, the matchup could remain competitive deep into the second half.

Dallas’ Defense Is the Biggest Reason to Like the Cowboys

The most impressive part of Dallas’ Week 1 performance was arguably the defense.

Seattle scored a touchdown on its opening possession.

After that, the Cowboys allowed zero points.

Dallas shut down Seattle for the rest of the game and held the Seahawks to only 156 total yards.

The Cowboys also produced two important goal-line stands late in the contest, demonstrating that their defense could finish drives rather than simply bend between the 20s.

That matters against Arizona.

The Cardinals just produced one of the better offensive performances of the preseason against Las Vegas, but Dallas is coming off a game in which its defense demonstrated the ability to make adjustments and eliminate scoring opportunities.

If the Cowboys can reproduce that performance, Arizona could have difficulty reaching the scoring level required to push this game Over 37.5.

Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview

Arizona enters the matchup with a completely different offensive profile.

The Cardinals defeated Las Vegas 27-14 and generated 368 total yards.

They were productive both through the air and on the ground, recording 212 passing yards and 156 rushing yards.

Arizona also controlled possession for 34:25, converted 8 of 15 third downs and committed no turnovers.

That is a highly efficient preseason performance.

The Cardinals scored touchdowns on all three of their first-half scoring drives against the Raiders and finished with 23 first downs.

That makes Arizona a legitimate concern for anyone betting the Under.

However, there is an important distinction between evaluating Arizona’s offense and evaluating whether Arizona can score enough to make the game go Over 37.5.

The Cardinals need to score consistently for four quarters.

Their previous game demonstrated that they can score efficiently with their quarterback rotation, but Dallas’ defense presents a different challenge.

The Cowboys allowed only seven points in their opener and held Seattle scoreless for more than three quarters.

That creates an interesting clash between Arizona’s offensive efficiency and Dallas’ defensive discipline.

Arizona’s Quarterback Room Is a Major Strength

Arizona’s quarterbacks were nearly flawless against Las Vegas.

Jacoby Brissett completed all five of his attempts for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Gardner Minshew completed 14 of 16 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Kedon Slovis finished 7 of 9 for 75 yards.

Collectively, Arizona quarterbacks completed 26 of 30 passes.

That is an extraordinary completion rate for a preseason game.

The Cardinals’ quarterback depth is one of the strongest arguments for taking Arizona on the side. If those players can maintain that level of efficiency, Arizona should be able to move the football against Dallas.

There is also another quarterback to monitor.

Carson Beck did not play against Las Vegas because of sore ribs. He had previously completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards in the Hall of Fame Game.

If Beck returns against Dallas, Arizona could have another capable quarterback available for evaluation.

That could provide the Cardinals with additional depth and potentially improve their offensive performance.

However, it also introduces uncertainty into the playing-time distribution.

More quarterbacks generally means fewer possessions for each individual player, which can make sustained offensive rhythm more difficult.

Arizona’s Running Game Also Deserves Attention

Arizona’s offensive production was not limited to the passing game.

The Cardinals rushed for 156 yards against Las Vegas.

Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love was one of the notable performers, rushing 11 times for 58 yards.

Unfortunately for Arizona, Love suffered an ankle injury and is expected to miss at least a week.

That could remove one of the Cardinals’ more productive young offensive players from the matchup.

His absence is another reason not to automatically assume Arizona will replicate its 27-point performance.

Preseason offenses are particularly sensitive to personnel changes. Losing a productive runner can alter the entire structure of the offense, especially when backup quarterbacks are operating behind the same offensive line.

If Love is unavailable, Arizona may need to rely more heavily on its quarterback rotation and other running backs.

That could make the Cowboys’ defensive performance even more important.

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Why Dallas +1.5?

The strongest argument for Dallas is simple:

The Cowboys are getting points despite already demonstrating excellent preseason depth.

Dallas won its opener by 10 points on the road.

Arizona won its most recent game by 13 points.

At first glance, both teams appear deserving of respect.

But Dallas’ 17-7 victory against Seattle demonstrated several traits that translate well to preseason betting:

Efficient quarterback play.

Strong backup quarterback performance.

137 rushing yards.

338 total yards.

11-for-15 third-down conversion rate.

Zero offensive turnovers.

Only seven points allowed.

More than 32 minutes of possession.

That is an extremely balanced performance.

The Cowboys did not rely on one fluky play or a single quarterback having a spectacular night.

They controlled the game in multiple areas.

That makes the +1.5 particularly appealing.

Why Arizona -1.5 Is Still Dangerous

There is a legitimate argument for Arizona.

The Cardinals have already played twice this preseason, giving the coaching staff additional opportunities to evaluate its roster.

Their quarterbacks are playing efficiently.

The offense just generated 368 yards.

Arizona is also playing at home.

Those factors explain why the Cardinals are favored.

However, the spread is only 1.5 points.

That means the market is essentially saying these teams are close to equal, with home-field advantage pushing Arizona slightly ahead.

If that is the case, taking the points with Dallas makes sense.

The Cowboys do not need to win outright.

They only need to stay within one point.

A 20-17 Dallas loss still cashes the spread.

A 17-16 Arizona win still cashes the spread.

That flexibility is valuable in a preseason game where fourth-quarter personnel decisions can be unpredictable.

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Why Bet Under 37.5?

The Under is more complicated than the side because Arizona has already demonstrated significant offensive firepower.

Still, several factors point toward a lower-scoring game.

First, Dallas allowed only seven points against Seattle.

Second, Arizona shut out Las Vegas during the second half of its 27-14 victory.

Third, Dallas controlled possession and field position in Week 1.

Fourth, both teams demonstrated that their defenses can close games effectively.

The Cowboys’ game against Seattle produced only 24 combined points.

Arizona’s game against Las Vegas produced 41.

Those two results create the central tension in the total.

If Arizona’s offense resembles its performance against Las Vegas, the Over could be in play.

If Dallas’ defense resembles its performance against Seattle, the Under becomes the better outcome.

The Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction leans toward the latter because Dallas’ defensive performance was particularly complete.

The Case for a Low-Scoring Game

The easiest path to the Under is a slow start.

If Dallas and Arizona spend the first quarter evaluating quarterbacks and offensive personnel without producing explosive plays, the total could quickly become difficult to reach.

For example, if the score is 7-3 after the first quarter, the teams would need 28 additional points over the remaining three quarters to beat 37.5.

That is possible, but not guaranteed.

The deeper the game goes, the more reserve players take over.

Backup quarterbacks can create explosive plays, but they can also produce sacks, incompletions, punts and turnovers.

Defensive depth can therefore become particularly important in the second half.

Dallas demonstrated that its defense can continue producing stops after the starters leave.

That makes the Under a reasonable position.

State Farm Stadium Adds Another Variable

The game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The Cowboys are traveling from Dallas, while the Cardinals remain at home.

Home-field advantage matters less during the preseason than during the regular season, but it still affects travel, preparation and player routines.

Arizona has already played multiple preseason games, so the Cardinals’ staff has additional information about its roster.

Dallas, meanwhile, enters after just one game.

That could benefit Arizona’s preparation.

But it also means the Cowboys have had fewer opportunities to expose their players to preseason injury risk.

The primary focus for Dallas is not winning the preseason. It is evaluating its roster and preparing for the regular season.

That should keep the game relatively controlled.

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Key Matchup Factors

Dallas’ Quarterback Depth vs Arizona’s Quarterback Depth

This could be one of the most important matchups.

Howell and Milton were highly efficient for Dallas.

Arizona’s Brissett, Minshew and Slovis were even more statistically impressive.

Neither team appears to have a major quarterback-depth weakness.

That makes the defensive side of the matchup more important.

Dallas’ Defense vs Arizona’s Offense

Arizona’s 368-yard performance was impressive, but Dallas allowed only 156 yards in Week 1.

Something has to give.

If Dallas controls the line of scrimmage and prevents Arizona from establishing the run, the Cowboys can force Arizona into longer passing situations.

That would make the Under significantly more attractive.

Arizona’s Home Advantage

Arizona is playing at home and is favored.

The Cardinals should have the environmental advantage, but the 1.5-point spread suggests the market does not view that advantage as enough to make them a strong favorite.

Preseason Playing Time

This remains the biggest unknown.

Quarterback workloads, defensive substitutions and fourth-quarter personnel could dramatically alter the game.

That uncertainty is another reason to take a small spread rather than lay points.

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Side vs. Total

The side is the stronger wager.

Dallas +1.5 offers more protection against the uncertainty inherent in preseason football.

The Under 37.5 is also playable, but Arizona’s recent 368-yard offensive performance makes the total less comfortable.

If Arizona’s quarterbacks continue completing passes at an extremely high rate, the Cardinals could score enough to threaten the Under.

Dallas +1.5 does not require the Cowboys to completely shut down Arizona.

It simply requires Dallas to remain competitive.

Given how well the Cowboys played against Seattle, that appears to be a reasonable expectation.

Cowboys vs Cardinals Prediction: Projected Game Script

The opening portion of the game should be competitive.

Arizona may move the ball effectively through its quarterback rotation, while Dallas should continue to lean on efficient passing and a balanced rushing attack.

The Cowboys’ defense should prevent Arizona from consistently producing explosive scoring drives.

Dallas, meanwhile, should be able to manufacture enough offense to remain within one possession.

As the game progresses, both teams will move toward deeper reserves.

That should slow offensive consistency.

Arizona’s home advantage could become more noticeable late, but Dallas’ defensive depth should keep the game close.

The most likely scenario is a game decided by one possession.

That is exactly what bettors taking Dallas +1.5 want.

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Who Will Win?

Dallas has enough depth to win this game outright.

Arizona is the favorite, but the Cowboys’ performance against Seattle was more convincing than the small spread suggests.

Dallas controlled both sides of the football, protected the ball and consistently converted third downs.

Arizona was more explosive offensively against Las Vegas, but Dallas’ defense should provide a tougher test.

My projected final score is:

Dallas Cowboys 20, Arizona Cardinals 17

That gives Dallas the outright win and keeps the total comfortably below 37.5.

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction: Final Pick

The Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction favors Dallas +1.5 because the Cowboys demonstrated excellent depth in their preseason opener.

Dallas defeated Seattle 17-7, gained 338 yards, converted 11 of 15 third downs and allowed only seven points. Howell and Milton were both efficient, while the defense shut down Seattle after the opening possession.

Arizona deserves plenty of respect.

The Cardinals produced 368 yards against Las Vegas, completed 26 of 30 passes and scored 27 points. Their quarterback room has performed extremely well, and the Cardinals will have home-field advantage.

Still, Arizona is only a 1.5-point favorite.

That creates value on Dallas.

The Under 37.5 is also worth playing because Dallas’ defense demonstrated the ability to control a game and Arizona’s defense shut out Las Vegas in the second half. The loss of Jeremiyah Love could also reduce some of Arizona’s offensive versatility.

The best approach is therefore to take the points with Dallas and lean toward a lower-scoring contest.

Final Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 20, Arizona Cardinals 17

Best Bet: Cowboys +1.5

Total Pick: Under 37.5

Cowboys vs Cardinals Preseason NFL Prediction FAQ

Who is favored in the Cowboys vs Cardinals preseason game?

The Arizona Cardinals are approximately 1.5-point home favorites over the Dallas Cowboys.

What is the Cowboys vs Cardinals preseason over/under?

The betting total is 37.5 points.

What is the best Cowboys vs Cardinals preseason bet?

The preferred side is Dallas Cowboys +1.5. The secondary selection is Under 37.5.

Why should you bet the Cowboys +1.5?

Dallas is receiving points after beating Seattle 17-7 in its preseason opener. The Cowboys generated 338 yards, converted 11 of 15 third downs and allowed only seven points.

How did Dallas perform in its preseason opener?

The Cowboys defeated the Seahawks 17-7. Dallas held Seattle to 156 total yards and scored 17 points while committing no turnovers.

How did Arizona perform in its latest preseason game?

Arizona defeated Las Vegas 27-14. The Cardinals generated 368 total yards, including 212 passing yards and 156 rushing yards.

Who are the quarterbacks to watch?

Dallas received efficient performances from Sam Howell and Joe Milton III in Week 1. Arizona used Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis, while Carson Beck could also be part of the quarterback rotation if healthy.

Why is the Under 37.5 worth considering?

Dallas allowed only seven points against Seattle, while Arizona’s defense shut out Las Vegas in the second half. Both defenses have recently demonstrated an ability to produce extended stretches without allowing points.

What is the biggest concern with betting the Under?

Arizona’s offense was extremely efficient against Las Vegas, completing 26 of 30 passes and scoring 27 points. If the Cardinals reproduce that efficiency, the total could threaten 37.5.

Who will win Cowboys vs Cardinals?

The prediction is Dallas Cowboys 20, Arizona Cardinals 17.

What is the final Cowboys vs Cardinals preseason prediction?

Pick: Dallas Cowboys +1.5

Total: Under 37.5

Prediction: Cowboys 20, Cardinals 17.