Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys: Odds, Prediction, Andy Dalton Will Beat Kyler Murray

Even after Dak Prescott’s devastating season-ending ankle injury, the Dallas Cowboys are still a playoff contender. Andy Dalton has a good chance to lead the team over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, proving that Dallas’ 2020 campaign is far from over.

All eyes will be on Dalton as he makes his first start at quarterback for America’s Team on “Monday Night Football.” The veteran was impressive in relief of Prescott in Week 5. Dalton went 9-11 for 111 yards, leading Dallas to a 37-34 victory over the New York Giants.

The betting line suggests Dalton will have a difficult time pulling off a repeat performance. The Cowboys are 2.5-point underdogs at home, according to odds compiled by OddsShark. The over/under is 54.5.

Around 25,000 fans are allowed inside AT&T Stadium for Dallas home games, giving the Cowboys as much of a home-field advantage as anyone this season. Arizona hasn’t done enough to warrant being considered upwards of a field goal better than Dallas on a neutral field, which is what the point spread suggests.

With a 3-2 record, the Cardinals have yet to beat a team that is above .500. Victories over the New York Jets and Washington Football Team aren’t impressive. Arizona’s best win came in Week 1 when they beat the San Francisco 49ers 24-20, though the 49ers have been among the NFL’s most disappointing teams.

The Cardinals can only play the team’s on their schedule, but they did lose as favorites against the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers.

Kyler Murray should have success against Dallas’ defense, as every quarterback does. Murray did throw another interception against the Jets in Week 5, giving him six picks on the season.

Carolina, the best offense statistically that has played Arizona, scored 31 points against the Cardinals. None of Arizona’s other four opponents rank better than 19th in yards per play.

Due to several key injuries, the Cowboys’ offensive line isn’t nearly as good as it’s been in recent years. The line might be able to hold up against Arizona after star pass rusher Chandler Jones suffered a serious injury.

Plenty of capable quarterbacks, of which Dalton is one, can have success with CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Ezekiel Elliott at their disposal. The Cowboys are first in total offense and third with 32.6 points per game.

Both of Dallas’ wins have come at home. The Cowboys are 0-5 against the spread. Maybe it will take Dallas being a home underdog for them to finally cover a betting line.

Prediction: Dallas over Arizona, 30-27