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
It hasn’t been a promising first two weeks of the season for the Cardinals. They were drubbed 35-23 by the Detroit Lions in Week 1, a game where they also lost star running back David Johnson with a dislocated wrist. With Johnson out of the lineup, the Cards struggled
With Johnson out of the lineup, the Cards struggled to put points on the board against a bad Colts defense in Week 2 and barely got out of Indianapolis with a 16-13 win in overtime. Bruce Arians will be desperately in search for answers to his team’s offensive struggles in the team’s home opener.
The Game
The Cardinals offense really needs to get its act together to beat the Cowboys. For one, the offensive line needs to improve and give Carson Palmer a better chance of performing effectively. The Cardinals quarterback was let down by his line’s pass protection as he struggled his way to an ugly 19-of-36 night.
If Palmer has time, though, he has the weapons to reel off big plays, especially against a questionable Cowboys secondary. Speedster J.J. Nelson was able to reel off 120 yards on just five catches against the Colts.
The running game looks resigned to struggle without Johnson. If they couldn’t run it effectively against the Colts, they don’t stand a much better chance against anyone else. It’ll be on Palmer to carry the offense to some points.
The X-Factor
With so many question marks surrounding the offense, the Cardinals defense must play one heck of a game for them to come out on top. More than stopping the Cowboys running game, which will be hard enough as it is, the Cards need to actively help the offense through forcing some turnovers.
Luckily for them, Prescott has shown signs of being a lot more generous with the ball than he was during his excellent rookie season. If they can continue that trend and end up with a few more possessions, their chances of an upset as the home underdog should improve significantly.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cards still can’t get their act together offensive as the Cowboys (-3) get the road win, 28-14.
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