Where: University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, AZ
When: Monday, September 25, 2017, 8:25 PM ET
Line: Dallas Cowboys (-3) at Arizona Cardinals (+3); total: 47.0 – view all 2017 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Preamble
After an impressive 19-3 win over their fierce division rival New York Giants, the Cowboys were absolutely punked by the Denver Broncos, 41-17. Ezekiel Elliott was completely shut down as he finished with just eight yards on nine carries, easily his least productive game in his young NFL career.
Meanwhile, the normally sure-handed Dak Prescott was forced to two interceptions as the Cowboys offense never really got going. After such a dispiriting loss, the Cowboys are in need of a strong bounce-back performance on the road at Arizona.
The Game
The Cowboys will go from facing arguably the best defense in the NFL in Denver to merely a good defense in the Cardinals. That difference should be good news for Elliott and the rest of the Cowboys running attack, who will be looking to get back on track after their poor showing against Denver.
A more effective ground game will also greatly benefit quarterback Dak Prescott, who was forced to pass 50 times by the Broncos. Prescott is at his best when he’s able to operate off of play action and more limited passes, and he should get back to enjoying both against the Cardinals.
On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys defense isn’t spectacular, but it did show against the Giants how effective it can be against a limited offense missing its key piece. With New York it was Odell Beckham Jr., and with the Cardinals, it’ll be David Johnson, who is still out after injuring his wrist. The Cards offense was barely able to create anything against a bad Colts defense without Johnson, and could struggle to do the same once again.
The X-Factors
The ageless Jason Witten is having another strong start to the season. The Cowboys’ star tight end currently leads the team with 17 catches, 156 yards, and two touchdowns through two games. With the Cardinals’ key linebacker/safety hybrid Deone Bucannon, who will likely be tasked with covering Witten, still somewhat questionable due to an ankle injury, Witten could find his way to a few more catches in the middle of the Cardinals’ defense.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cowboys (-3) offense gets back on track as they win and cover against the Cards, 28-14.
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