The Cardinals haven't felt the hometown love in over a month as they played their final two preseason games on the road and then their first two of the regular season. They struggled in their first two, but I'm expecting the home angle to get them back to being their true self, which is taking more shots down field with the deep ball. Who knows how the Cowboys will respond after getting embarrassed last week, but play here is more about the Cards in their first home game than speculation of Denver giving the league a blueprint in how to slow Dallas.

Expect Dallas’ longtime home-away-from- home advantage in Arizona to hold true again. Oddsmakers have this priced correctly, and set the number as a default home game for the Cowboys.

I'm projecting only 35 points for Monday Night Football, giving us a strong play on the Under. The Under is cashing in 79 percent of my simulations. Neither offense is clicking and I see a defensive struggle in the desert. Go Under.

The Cards are coming off an overtime victory over the Colts in which Arizona's secondary led the way. Dallas struggled against a similarly strong secondary. The difference is that I don’t think the Cards have the ability to run the ball like the Broncos did. I'm laying the points with Dallas.

Dallas and Arizona bear deserved reputations as potent offensive teams. Both are blessed with playmakers, but are dealing with injury issues. Arizona star running back David Johnson is out injured, while Dallas QB Dak Prescott was banged up Sunday against the Broncos. Moreover, both clubs have been stout on the defensive side thus far. Arizona is allowing just 2.8 yards per carry, fourth fewest in the NFL. If the Cardinals’ defense remains stingy against the run, the gimpy Prescott will be compelled to create plays. Dallas has permitted 200 passing yards per game, tied for 12th best in the NFL.