NFL Predictions: Will Cowboys cover small spread vs. Cardinals on MNF?
Will the Cowboys cover as a small road favorite tonight in Arizona where they’ll visit the Cardinals for Monday Night Football?
The Odds: Cowboys vs. Cardinals, 8:30 PM ET, Monday
According to oddsmakers, Dallas is now a 3-point road favorite to win tonight in Arizona. The Cardinals opened as 3.5-poitn underdogs before the line dropped. As for the total, the number hit the board at 47.5 but dropped to 46.5.
Dallas Cowboys Betting Trends
The Cowboys have been a poor bet on Monday night. They have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 12 games played on MNF. They’re also just 2-6 against the spread in their last eight conference games. They are 2-7 at the betting window in their last nine games overall. Finally, Dallas is winless at 0-4 against the number in its last four road games.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
The Cardinals have been a poor bet in conference play as well. They dropped seven of their last 10 at the betting window when playing the NFC. They are just 4-11 against the spread in their last 15 home games as well. Arizona is also just 3-9 at the betting window in their last 12 games overall. Finally, the Cardinals are 1-6 against the number in their last seven appearances on Monday Night Football.
Our Prediction
Dallas is coming off a lousy performance in Denver, but it’s tough to win there early in the season. The Broncos often have an advantage due to the thin air, as teams aren’t prepared for it coming out of training camp.
The Broncos also showed up to stop Dallas’ offense, although not every defense can sell out to stop Ezekiel Elliott while also playing man-to-man against the Cowboys’ receivers. Denver has three quality corners, while most teams only have one. Thus, I expect a bounce-back before from Dallas’ defense tonight.
On the other side, the Cardinals are a mess offensively without running back David Johnson. Carson Palmer is coming off a strong second-half performance in Indianapolis but has often been under siege due to poor offensive line play. Dallas has an average defense at best but is protected by the team’s excellent ground game and possession-controlled offense. If the Cowboys can come up with a takeaway or two, I like them to win and cover tonight.
Monday Night Football Week 3 Prediction: Dallas Cowboys -3