Cardinals vs. Cowboys Week 9: Three Must-Know Storylines for ‘monday Night Football’ Showdown

Key Highlights

  • The Arizona Cardinals will travel to AT&T Stadium for Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Kyler Murray (foot) is questionable to play and could have a limited role in Monday’s game.
  • Arizona’s Jacoby Brissett has had success starting, with a 65% completion rate over his previous two starts.
  • Dallas’ Dak Prescott has a strong track record of bouncing back after losses, having the fifth-best QB record post-defeat since entering the NFL in 2016.

Cardinals vs. Cowboys: A Crucial Match at Midseason

The Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys are set to face off in a highly anticipated Monday Night Football showdown at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2025. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they navigate the midseason standings.

Cardinals’ Struggles

The Arizona Cardinals have faced significant challenges this season. After starting with a promising 2-0 record, the team has since lost five consecutive games. The absence of their starting quarterback, Kyler Murray (foot), due to an injury in Week 6 and 7 has played a pivotal role in these setbacks.

Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett took over during Murray’s absence and is expected to start again against the Cowboys. While he delivered strong performances with 65% completion rates, averaging 299.5 passing yards per game, his ability to keep up with Dallas’ high-powered offense will be critical for Arizona.

Key Player Performances

Tight end Trey McBride has been a standout player in recent weeks. He currently leads the team with 47 receptions and 421 yards, contributing four touchdowns as well. His consistent play over seven games highlights his importance to the Cardinals’ success.

The Cowboys boast one of the best offenses in the league, led by quarterback Dak Prescott.

Despite a tough loss against the Denver Broncos in Week 8, Prescott still ranks high in completions and passing yards. His performance will be key for Dallas as they aim to regain their form.

Running Back Battles

The Cardinals face a formidable running back challenge from Javonte Williams of the Cowboys. Williams is having a standout season with nine touchdowns and 633 rushing yards, averaging over five yards per carry. The Dallas defense will be tested against Arizona’s running backs committee, which includes Michael Carter, Emari Demercado, and Bam Knight.

The Cardinals’ strategy may focus on exploiting the Cowboys’ weak run defense, as they have allowed 146 rushing yards per game compared to Arizona’s average of 100.9.

Injury Reports

Both teams carry notable injury concerns heading into this critical game. For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray is questionable, while Emari Demercado and Will Johnson are listed as limited practice participants. The Cowboys face challenges with key players like Cooper Beebe (ankle) and Kenny Clark (elbow), both marked as out for the game.

The outcome of this match could significantly impact both teams’ standings in the NFC West division, making it a must-watch contest on Monday Night Football.

Fans can tune into ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, or NFL+ to witness the action live at 8:15 p.m. ET.