Cardinals vs Cowboys NFL Week 9 MNF Picks

Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season wraps up Monday night with an NFC showdown under the lights. The Arizona Cardinals travel to Arlington to take on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in what could be a make-or-break game for both squads.

Arizona enters at 2–5 and will once again turn to backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who takes over for the injured Kyler Murray. Brissett has been a steady veteran presence, keeping the offense afloat. The Cardinals are hoping their defense can hold up long enough to keep this one close, which has been solid throughout the year.

Dallas, meanwhile, sits at 3-4-1, boasting one of the league’s more potent offenses but also one of its worst defenses. The Cowboys can score with anyone, but stopping opponents has been another story entirely. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call. While both teams are desperate for consistency, their contrasting styles should make this a fascinating Monday night clash.

Let’s break down the matchup and highlight three betting angles worth considering before kickoff.

Cardinals vs Cowboys predictions

• Pick #1 – Cowboys -3 (-110) vs. Cardinals
• Pick #2 – Under Total Points 54.5 (-110)
• Pick #3 – Javonte Williams Anytime Touchdown (-165)

Pick #1 – Cowboys -3 (-110) vs. Cardinals

This one comes down to firepower, and right now, the Cowboys have a lot more of it. Even with defensive issues, Dallas has shown it can move the ball efficiently and put points on the board. Against a Cardinals team starting a backup quarterback, that should be enough to cover the short spread. Brissett is a capable game manager, but he’s not the kind of passer who can go toe-to-toe in a shootout. Plus, the Cardinals are without RB James Connor for the remainder of the season, who is one of their best offensive players.

The Dallas offense, led by a balanced attack featuring Javonte Williams and a great passing game with Dak Prescott spreading the ball around to Ceedee Lamb, George Pickens and Jake Ferguson, should create enough separation. The Cowboys are at home, desperate to get back to .500, and this feels like the kind of spot where they take care of business. 

With the spread sitting at just three points, Dallas seems like the safe bet at home.

Pick #2 – Under 54.5 Total Points (-110)

At first glance, this total looks inflated. While the Cowboys offense is capable of big nights, the Cardinals are unlikely to contribute much to a high-scoring affair with Brissett under center. Arizona will probably aim to slow things down, run the ball, and keep the Dallas offense off the field.

The Cowboys defense has been bad; there's no sugarcoating that, as they've allowed the eighth-most rushing touchdowns this year and most receiving touchdowns to wide receivers, with a whopping 15.

However, they won’t need to be great here. If they can force Brissett into long third downs and limit big plays, they can keep Arizona in check. With a backup QB and a stingy Arizona defense (22.0 PPG allowed), 54.5 is just too high, so the Under looks like the smarter play. 

Pick #3 – Javonte Williams Anytime Touchdown (-165)

This is one of the most reliable props on the board. Javonte Williams has been a touchdown machine this season, punching in eight scores through eight games. He’s been the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ red zone offense and should continue to see plenty of goal-line carries. Williams has seen the fifth-most touches inside the red zone this season with 32 (26 rushing attempts and six receptions).

The Cardinals defense has been solid this season, but where you attack them is the front seven, which has been leaky, allowing seven rushing touchdowns so far. The Cowboys offensive line has a slight edge here, and Williams’ downhill style makes him a great bet to find the end zone again. It’s a bit juiced at -165, but the consistency and matchup make it worth the price. Expect Williams to cash this one early, perhaps even before halftime.