NFL Picks: Week 3 Cardinals vs Cowboys

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As the days tick closer to the next NFL clash, the excitement continues to surge. This Sunday, the State Farm Stadium will bear witness to a fierce face-off between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals, two teams with vastly different trajectories this season.

BUSR NFL Lines

Spread: Cowboys -12 (-110), Cardinals +12 (-110)

Moneyline: Cowboys -750, Cardinals +525 

Total: Cowboys O 43.5 (-110), U 43.5 (-110) 

Dallas Cowboys: A Dominant Start

The Dallas Cowboys, often dubbed ‘America’s Team’, have started this season with an incredible burst of energy. Their most recent conquest was a commanding victory over the Jets with a final score of 30-10, which pushed them into a pristine 2-0 record for the season. The driving force behind the Cowboys’ offensive dynamism is undoubtedly Dak Prescott. Boasting a commendable 71% passing rate, Prescott has thrown for 398 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The ground game hasn’t been left behind either, with Tony Pollard storming through defenses with a total of 142 yards, complemented by 2 touchdowns.

CeeDee Lamb, another name that’s resonating strongly this season, is the leading light among Dallas’ receivers. With 15 catches, he’s covered 220 yards on the field, a testament to his agility and prowess. However, what truly completes the Dallas ensemble is their defense. Markquese Bell, with a laudable 12 tackles, leads the defensive stats, but it’s the collective effort of Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa, both with 3 sacks each, that’s drawing attention. The defense as a unit has already notched 10 sacks and made 5 interceptions, numbers that reveal their sheer dominance.

Arizona Cardinals: A Rocky Path

Contrastingly, the Arizona Cardinals have had a start they’d rather forget. Their recent loss to the New York Giants, despite leading 20-0 and 28-7 at different stages, was nothing short of heart-wrenching for their fans. This defeat has set them back to a 0-2 record for the season. Joshua Dobbs, at the helm for the Cardinals, has thrown for 360 yards and a touchdown, maintaining a passing rate of 68.9%. On the ground, James Conner’s efforts have shone, with a total rush of 168 yards and a touchdown.

The air game for Arizona sees Marquise Brown leading the receivers with 82 yards and a touchdown. Close on his heels is Zach Ertz, who has clinched 12 catches covering 77 yards. Their defensive front, however, seems to be the redeeming aspect, with Kyzir White heading the tackle board with 16. Moreover, Dennis Gardeck has emerged as a pivotal player with 3 sacks.

Prediction

Coming to the prediction, while it’s tempting to bet against the underdog, the scales tip in favor of Dallas, even with a massive -12 spread. It’s not about rushing into a decision based on mere numbers but evaluating the holistic performance of both teams. The Cardinals deserve applause for their tenacity in the initial weeks despite all their setbacks and injuries, and Dobbs has been a surprise package, performing beyond expectations. However, the Dallas defense, having showcased its might so far, will be a challenge from the first whistle.

While not an outright endorsement of the Cowboys’ potential, their on-field results cannot be brushed aside. Their seamless synergy and their ability to leverage individual strengths make them a formidable contender. Thus, in this encounter, the smart money would indeed be on Dallas, even if they’re giving up double-digits. As always, in the unpredictable realm of the NFL, only time will reveal if predictions meet reality, but for now, the Cowboys ride with the wind in their favor. Bet on Dallas to cover the -12 spread on BUSR NFL Odds.