The Cowboys have been absolutely horrendous defensively this season, but the defense has also been exhausted, asked to play extra series due to a mix of turnovers and quick-scoring offense. With Andy Dalton in for Dak Prescott, do not be surprised if Mike McCarthy slows things down and leans on Ezekiel Elliott. That will give the Dallas defense a bit more time to rest, and the return of Leighton Vander Esch will certainly help in the middle of the field. On the other side, Chandler Jones is out, which should provide a bit of relief for Dalton and the suspect Cowboys offensive line. Dallas has not covered this season, but that changes Monday night. The spread has shifted so drastically for a reason.

Andy Dalton, stand-in for the injured Dak Prescott, likely means a more cautious offensive approach for Dallas, particularly with the Cowboys’ twin standout OTs sidelined. Arizona has yet to reach an Over all season, in large part because its defense has permitted the fifth fewest points per game. The Cardinals’ offense has been a notch below dynamic, and a rare third consecutive road game could result in sluggishness.

The Dak Prescott injury is a huge blow to the Cowboys, but they still have a borderline starter-level QB taking the reins of an offense flush with great weapons. The one area I worry about with the Dallas offense is on the line, but their shaky tackles will benefit greatly from not having to face Chandler Jones here after the star edge rusher suffered an injury last week. The Cardinals blew out the Jets last week, but that doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things. After adjusting for the injuries to Prescott and Jones, I'd make this line a pick at best with a lean toward Dallas. So any points we can get with the Cowboys are gravy.

My Cowboys rating has plunged after every one of their games this season. They've failed to cover each time,and the biggest plunge happened last Sunday, when I dropped them four points as Dak Prescott (ankle) got injured and their defense failed to stop the Giants' anemic offense. The Cardinals aren’t consistent, but their offense is going to give Dallas problems. I’m on the Cardinals.

Wish I'd gotten a full 3 but I'll still back the Cowboys with a capable Andy Dalton taking over. The Cardinals won't have Chandler Jones and they're also dealing with offensive line injuries. Grab the points.

Believe it or not, the Cowboys are going to be better with Andy Dalton. He's not bad and they'll run the ball more. Ezekiel Elliott is going to have a big game. Dallas is going to be much more controlled, use more clock and keep its defense off the field. Instead of throwing for 500 yards, they're going to be more conservative and rest their defense.

An old NFC East matchup will take place Monday night as the Arizona Cardinals travel to face the Dallas Cowboys. This marks the third straight road game for the Cardinals, and their first with fans in the stands. Expect the Cardinals to amp up their offense against a poor Cowboys defense. Playing from behind will force the Cowboys to throw more with Andy Dalton versus sticking to a ground attack. Play Arizona.