Cowherd & Middlekauff Split on Cowboys-Cardinals Monday Night Showdown

When it comes to Monday Night Football, everyone’s got an opinion — and so do we. This week’s matchup between the Cowboys and Cardinals isn’t just another primetime game; it’s a test of identity, confidence, and consistency.

Colin Cowherd: The Cowboys Are Built to Dominate at Home

I’ve always believed there’s something to be said about the teams that carry a real identity — a sense of who they are. Dallas is one of those teams. You can knock the Cowboys all you want for being flashy or overly hyped, but at home, Dak Prescott becomes a different quarterback. The numbers don’t lie — his splits are dramatic. He’s calm, confident, and efficient when the lights are on at AT&T Stadium.

And this year, credit where it’s due — Brian Schottenheimer’s play-calling has been sharp. The Cowboys have done an excellent job balancing their offensive weapons. George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb stretch the field, forcing safeties to stay honest. That opens up running lanes, and when Dallas has balance, they’re dangerous. Arizona, on the other hand, feels like a franchise still in search of its reflection in the mirror. They’re in a rebuild, trying to rediscover who they are.

That’s why I’m taking the Cowboys to win — and to cover the spread. I see them controlling the tempo, forcing Arizona into catch-up mode. Dallas by a touchdown feels about right.

John Middlekauff: Don’t Sleep on the Cardinals’ Grit

I get where Colin’s coming from — Dallas at home is a safe play. But there’s something about this Arizona team that makes me pause before handing the game to the Cowboys so easily. Look, Jacoby Brissett isn’t a star, but he’s steady. The guy almost took down the Colts not long ago, and when he’s in rhythm, the offense moves.

There’s also the Kyler Murray factor — he’s been benched, and you don’t do that unless you’re trying to reset the culture. Sometimes, that shake-up brings out a tougher edge in the locker room. Arizona might not win, but covering that spread? That’s a bet I’ll take.

Dallas can win this game, sure. But underdogs — they play these primetime games with something to prove. I think the Cardinals hang around.

The Takeaway

Monday Night in the NFL often comes down to confidence versus hunger. Dallas knows who it is — at least at home — while Arizona is still figuring it out. But that journey, that fight for identity, can make a team dangerous.

One thing’s certain: between Prescott’s comfort under the bright lights and Brissett’s chip-on-the-shoulder resilience, this matchup has edge.