Cowboys vs Cardinals Picks, Predictions & Starters (Aug 22)
By Ryan Potts in NFL News
Published:
- I am backing the underdog Cowboys despite them sitting many of their starters
- Watch for undrafted free agent Camden Brown who had two touchdowns last week
- Keep reading for my Cowboys vs Cardinals picks and predictions as well as a long at who will be suiting up for both squads
The Dallas Cowboys (1-0 in preseason) head to the desert to take on the Arizona Cardinals (1-1 in preseason) as Week 2 of the preseason rolls on. NFL Network will carry the broadcast at 10:00 PM ET on Saturday, August 22. Both teams had double-digit road wins last week.
With neither Dak Prescott nor Jacoby Brissett suiting up tonight, eyes will be squarely on preseason legend Joe Milton and Gardner “Minshew Mania” Minshew. First-round picks Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, and Jeremiyah are also unlikely to feature, opening the door for unheralded undrafted players such as Cowboys receiver Camden Brown.
Cowboys vs Cardinals Odds
Odds are from bet365 as of 5:45 PM ET on Saturday, August 22.
The Cardinals are narrow home favorites in this preseason clash. Arizona bettors can take the Cardinals at -1.5 against the spread for -105 odds or -115 on the moneyline. Cowboys bettors can take Dallas at +1.5 ATS for -115 odds or on the moneyline at -105 odds.
The total is set at 38.5 points, with even juice on the over and under at -110 odds. The line opened at 37.5.
Cowboys vs Cardinals Picks
My general preseason betting philosophy is taking the underdog regardless of the line: today is no different. Despite the Cowboys’ insistence of playing their backups in preseason, I like Cowboys +1.5 (-115) tonight. Dallas looked solid last week, answering back after allowing an early touchdown to beat the Seahawks 17-7.
I am also leaning with Under 38.5 (-110). Last week, both teams played to the under. The Cowboys and Seahawks went under by 13.5 points while the Cardinals and Raiders managed to stick at 41 points for a 41.5 total. Admittedly, the Cardinals have scored 57 points through two preseason games, but I trust that the scoring will stick in the 30s tonight. If I had to make a score prediction, I would take the Cowboys 20-17 or 17-14.
Cowboys vs Cardinals: Projected Starters
As with any preseason game, it is key to look at who will play and who will be held out of action. While we will be without the most exciting Cowboys, the door is open for the rest of the roster, including last week’s standout, Camden Brown.
Brown caught three passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns – one from both Joe Milton and Sam Howell. Brown has shined in camp as well, making a series of highlight-reel catches every day. Brown could fight to be Dallas’ fourth receiver.
On the rushing front, Malik David, Israel Abanikanda, and Jaydon Blue each had at least seven rush attempts. Michael Trigg led the Cowboys in catches, but he is questionable with a toe injury this week.
Cowboys
The Cowboys generally hold their starters out of the preseason. This means the usual suspects, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith – among others – will not play tonight or next week.
This will likely extend to Dallas’ first-round picks: Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence. Both players in the top 10 in Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds, but they will have a limited impact on games until Week 1 rolls around.
Cardinals
As things stand, the Cardinals will be using Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis under center for tonight’s game. Rookie third-rownd pick Carson Beck shined in the Hall of Fame Game, but he has missed time with a rib injury since.
Starter Jacoby Brissett went 5-for-5 with a touchdown last against the Raiders. Minshew got most of the action, completing 14 of 16 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Slovis was 7-for-9 for 75 yards.
One hot-button topic in NFL circles is Arizona’s usage of Jeremiyah Love who had 11 rushes and three catches (72 total yards) last week. However, it looks like that will be the extent of the rookie’s preseason. Even with the injury, Love is the favorite in Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds.
Many of Arizona’s established starters are unlikely to play, including the likes of Trey McBride and Budda Baker, who did not play last week.
Last week, Corey Kiner led the Cardinals with 59 rushing yards. Jalen Brooks caught six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Karson Sharar led the way with five tackles.
Ryan Potts is a veteran football and baseball content creator. He was previously a credentialed NFL media member, covering the draft, combine, and Super Bowl. He has been featured on Atlanta sports talk radio and Arizona student radio. Ryan is a journalism graduate from the University of Arizona.
