Dallas and Arizona meet Saturday night at State Farm Stadium with both coaching staffs focused on roster decisions rather than regular-season schemes. Dallas enters 1-0 after beating Seattle 17-7. Arizona is 1-1 after a 33-30 Hall of Fame loss to Carolina and a 27-14 win at Las Vegas.
The betting market is nearly even, making it essential to compare odds across sportsbooks before placing your wager. Dallas is priced pick’em at -105, Arizona pick’em at -115, and the total sits at 38.5. First-half pricing gives Dallas +0.5 at -112 and Arizona -0.5 at -108. That tight board fits a preseason game shaped by backup quarterbacks, reserve offensive lines, and late-game depth.
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Cowboys vs Cardinals Schedule
Kickoff is set for 10:00 PM ET on August 22 in Glendale. NFL Network and NFL+ carry national coverage, with local Cowboys coverage available through CBS affiliates. The official Cowboys game guide confirms the date, venue, and Dallas broadcast details.
| Matchup | Date | Time (ET) | Venue | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals | August 22, 2026 | 10:00 PM | State Farm Stadium | NFL Network, NFL+ |
Dallas plans to rest most established starters throughout preseason, leaving Sam Howell and Joe Milton III to handle the quarterback competition. Arizona will start Gardner Minshew, with Kedon Slovis expected to take later snaps.
Dallas Backup Quarterbacks Bring Real Value
Howell and Milton gave Dallas efficient quarterback play against Seattle. Milton completed 12 of 15 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown. Howell delivered another steady outing, and the pair combined for 201 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
That matters in an exhibition setting. Dallas does not need Dak Prescott to create reliable possessions when both backup candidates are comfortable operating the offense. Milton adds mobility and arm strength. Howell brings starting experience and can manage short-yardage situations without forcing risky throws.
Dallas has another reason to play with urgency: several roster spots remain open at running back, receiver, linebacker, and defensive line. Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, Camden Brown, Jonathan Mingo, and rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham are among the players receiving close evaluation.
Arizona Gives Minshew An Extended Look
Arizona’s quarterback plan creates the strongest argument for the home side. Minshew is scheduled to start and could play through much of the first half before Slovis takes over. Jacoby Brissett and many offensive starters are expected to rest.
Minshew gives Arizona veteran decision-making against Dallas reserves. He has started 47 regular-season NFL games and owns enough mobility to extend broken plays. Slovis has produced encouraging work against deeper defensive units and should get a meaningful second-half audition.
The concern is protection. Arizona is expected to sit several starting offensive linemen. Dallas can attack that group with young pass rushers fighting for roster positions. If the Cardinals struggle to protect Minshew, their first-half edge shrinks quickly.
Cowboys vs Cardinals Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | 1st Half Spread | 1st Half Moneyline | 1st Half Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | Pick (-105) | Over 38.5 (-110) | +0.5 (-112) | -105 | Over 20 (-110) |
| Arizona Cardinals | Pick (-115) | Under 38.5 (-110) | -0.5 (-108) | -115 | Under 20 (-110) |
The full-game spread offers no cushion, so the handicap comes down to which reserve group can sustain drives after halftime. Dallas showed that capability in Seattle. Arizona has scored 63 points through two preseason games, though its defense has surrendered 47.
The first-half market favors Arizona slightly, matching Minshew’s expected workload. Dallas has more appeal across four quarters.
Dallas enters with a stronger defensive sample, yet Arizona owns the more established opening quarterback. That split makes the first half tighter than the full-game handicap and keeps the late Dallas rotation central to this pick.
Why Dallas Pick’em Is The Best Bet
Dallas gets the edge through quarterback depth. Howell and Milton both looked composed in the opener, and each has a clear incentive to win the No. 2 job. Their competition should keep the offense functional after Arizona moves from Minshew to Slovis.
The Cowboys defense held Seattle to seven points and 156 total yards. That performance came with reserve players handling major snaps, which matters more here than regular-season projections.
Arizona can score enough to stay close, especially early. Minshew may move the ball against Dallas backups, and the Cardinals have shown better preseason scoring volume. The deciding stretch should arrive after halftime, when Dallas can lean on two experienced quarterbacks and a defense that already produced a strong road performance.
The total at 38.5 is less attractive. Both teams have capable backup passers, yet preseason penalties and protection errors can stall promising drives. Dallas pick’em avoids guessing which pace will control the night.
The NFL Cowboys-Cardinals game center provides the latest matchup status and game information.
Official Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 20, Arizona Cardinals 17
NFL Best Bet: Dallas Cowboys Pick’em (-105)
