The Cowboys vs Cardinals prediction on Saturday night and almost every preseason NFL game comes down to something that most people don’t think about. It matters more than preseason records, rivalries, or home-field advantage. The most important thing you could know in preseason is simply who will actually be on the field when the game gets into the second half.
The Arizona Cardinals have scored at least 27 points in both preseason games so far. The Dallas Cowboys only have one game under their belt, but they beat the Seattle Seahawks 17-7 and may have the better quarterback setup for this game.
In preseason betting, that’s enough for me.
So, not overthinking this game, my best bet is Cowboys +1.5, with a nice wager on the moneyline too.
This is where I show how my handicapping works. I always write down a final score prediction for every game I handicap before I do anything else. My score prediction for this game is Dallas 24, Arizona 20.
| Game Detail | Information |
| Matchup | Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals |
| Date | Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 10 p.m. ET |
| Venue | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona |
| TV | NFL Network |
| Cowboys record | 1-0 |
| Cardinals record | 1-1 |
| Spread | Cardinals -1.5 |
| Moneyline | Cowboys -102 / Cardinals -118 |
| Total | 37.5 |
| Best bet | Cowboys +1.5 |
| Second bet | Over 37.5 |
| Player prop | Camden Brown receiving yards if available |
| Projected score | Cowboys 24, Cardinals 20 |
The Cowboys official game information confirms the 10 p.m. ET kickoff at State Farm Stadium. NFL Network will carry the game nationally on Saturday night to close out the day of games.
Odds were checked at 11:06 a.m. ET at DraftKings, where Dallas was +1.5 at -120 and Arizona -1.5 at +100. The total remained 37.5. (Action Network)
The spread itself hasn’t made too much of a move. The price is what is really interesting about this game. DraftKings was showing 96% of spread handle and 67% of spread bets on Cowboys +1.5 Saturday morning. (DraftKings Network)
Clearly Dak Prescott isn’t playing.
Normally, that would make Dallas considerably less appealing to bettors. Not tonight.
Sam Howell completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards in the opener. Joe Milton III threw for 107 yards and a touchdown. Neither threw an interception and both looked good.
Together, the two Cowboys quarterbacks completed 74.1% of their passes without taking a sack, and Seattle managed only 156 total yards against Dallas at 3.0 yards per play. (Action Network) That’s exactly the setup you should want in preseason football.
Howell and Milton are still competing for the QB2 job. Neither can afford to waste these snaps, and the Cowboys can move from one to the other without its offense obviously falling apart. That’s our edge in this game.
Arizona is going in another direction.
Gardner Minshew will start and is expected to play at least a full half. Jacoby Brissett will sit, Carson Beck is still dealing with sore ribs, and Kedon Slovis will likely take the remaining snaps. The Cardinals are also sitting their players who are locked in already, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, Budda Baker and several starting offensive linemen. (Arizona Cardinals)
Minshew has played well. He completed 14 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns against the Las Vegas Raiders last week.
Slovis added 75 yards on seven completions and was named Pro Football Focus’ quarterback of the week following Minshew’s performance. (Arizona Cardinals)
I’m not pretending Arizona has bad quarterback play.
I simply trust the Dallas rotation more once Minshew is done for this game.
That second-half difference is the backbone of my Cowboys vs. Cardinals prediction.
Camden Brown isn’t just another camp story anymore. He seems to be the real deal. I’m personally going to keep an eye on Brown Saturday night.
Brown caught all three of his targets against the Seahawks for 62 yards and two touchdowns. One came from Howell. The other came from Milton. That definitely matters.
Both quarterbacks are already looking for him when plays break his way.
Dallas’ own preview highlighted Brown as one of the players to watch Saturday, and his roster case is becoming harder to dismiss. (Dallas Cowboys)
If your sportsbook posts Brown receiving yards, I want over 29.5 or lower.
I would still consider 34.5.
Once it gets into the 40s, I’m out.
Third bet: Camden Brown Over 29.5 receiving yards or lower, if available.
No market? Pass.
I’m not forcing a prop just to have action.
Dallas +1.5 is still my strongest play.
Arizona has one edge I respect. This is already its third preseason game because of the Hall of Fame Game, so the Cardinals’ reserves have seen more live work.
The Cowboys still have the matchup I prefer.
Dallas held Seattle to seven points and 156 total yards. Howell and Milton both moved the offense efficiently. Neither turned the ball over.
Arizona can answer with Minshew early.
The question comes later.
When the Cardinals eventually move to Slovis, the Cowboys should still have one of two quarterbacks fighting for an NFL backup job running its offense.
Best bet: Dallas +1.5.
I would play the Cowboys through -1.
The moneyline is also reasonable at +100 or better, but with DraftKings moving Dallas to -102 Saturday morning, I prefer taking the point and a half.
My second Cowboys vs. Cardinals pick is Over 37.5.
Arizona has scored 57 points in two preseason games while allowing 47.
That’s 104 combined points.
Dallas presents a better defensive test than what Arizona has seen so far, but the Cowboys have enough quarterback depth to contribute.
A 21-17 game gets there.
My projection lands higher at 44.
Second bet: Over 37.5.
Playable through 38.
If it reaches 40, I’m out.
| Cowboys | Preseason Opener | Cardinals | Latest Production / Role |
| Sam Howell | 8 of 12, 94 yards | Gardner Minshew | 101 yards, 2 TDs; starting |
| Joe Milton III | 107 yards, TD | Kedon Slovis | 75 yards; later-game work |
| Dak Prescott | Not expected to play | Jacoby Brissett | Not playing |
| Carson Beck | Not expected to play |
The Cowboys vs. Cardinals prediction is banking on this rotation more than anything else.
Dallas should have competitive quarterback play throughout the night.
| Market | Pick | Confidence | Playable Limit |
| Cowboys spread | Cowboys +1.5 | 8/10 | Dallas -1 |
| Cowboys moneyline | Lean | 7/10 | +100 |
| Game total | Over 37.5 | 7/10 | 38 |
| Camden Brown receiving | Over 29.5 if available | 7/10 | 34.5 |
| Cardinals -1.5 | Pass | — | — |
What’s your take? Post it in our free sports community at stadiumrant.app, or download Stadium Rant on the App Store.
We all know that these preseason games get weird once the established players disappear.
That’s exactly why I want Dallas here.
Arizona has played well offensively, and Minshew can absolutely move the ball early. Several established Cardinals are sitting, though, and Minshew eventually gives way to Slovis.
Dallas goes Howell to Milton.
I trust that transition much more.
The Cowboys also showed more defensively than I expected against Seattle, holding the Seahawks to 3.0 yards per play.
Give me Dallas in this spot, especially at this price.
Final score prediction: Cowboys 24, Cardinals 20.
Best bet: Cowboys +1.5.
Second bet: Over 37.5.
Third bet: Camden Brown Over 29.5 receiving yards or lower if available.
What Time Is Cowboys vs. Cardinals?
Dallas and Arizona kick off Saturday at 10 p.m. ET from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
What Channel Is Cowboys vs. Cardinals On?
The game will air nationally on NFL Network.
What Are the Cowboys vs. Cardinals Odds?
Arizona was a 1.5-point favorite Saturday morning at DraftKings. Dallas +1.5 was priced at -120, with the total at 37.5. Odds can move before kickoff.
Is Dak Prescott Playing Against the Cardinals?
Prescott is not expected to play. Dallas is evaluating Sam Howell and Joe Milton III in its backup quarterback competition.
Who Is Starting At Quarterback For Arizona?
Gardner Minshew will start and is expected to play at least one half. Jacoby Brissett will sit, Carson Beck is not expected to play, and Kedon Slovis should handle the later work.
Who Is the Cowboys Player To Watch?
Camden Brown. The undrafted rookie caught three passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns against Seattle and is pushing hard for a roster spot.
What Is the Best Cowboys vs. Cardinals Bet?
My best Cowboys vs. Cardinals bet is Dallas +1.5.
What Is the Cowboys vs. Cardinals Score Prediction?
Cowboys 24, Cardinals 20.
More NFL Betting Analysis
For more preseason picks and betting strategy, read Stadium Rant’s NFL player prop betting guide.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
