The Arizona Cardinals are facing an unfortunate reality in Week 9 as they get set to play the Dallas Cowboys without their starting quarterback, but it could be his replacement who finds paydirt in a high-scoring game.
We’ve picked out two prime touchdown targets from either side, one of which is a bigger longshot than the other.
Cardinals anytime touchdown pick
Jacoby Brissett (+425 at bet365)
It’s been three years since Jacoby Brissett last rushed for a touchdown, but Monday night could be his big night. Not only have the Dallas Cowboys given up the most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks this season, but they’ve also allowed three touchdowns to tie for second-most.
The last time we saw Brissett take the field for the Arizona Cardinals, he finished with 26 yards on six carries in the wake of a solid Green Bay Packers pass rush. This one should take on an even-better form with the Cowboys getting to the quarterback a bit but ranking just 10th-worst in sack rate.
This means Brissett should be flushed from the pocket but not necessarily brought down with the poor tackling we’ve seen out of Dallas, and to make matters sweeter, the Cowboys have the fifth-worst red zone defense, which lends itself to a short run in close by the veteran.
Brissett has been capable of scoring in a previous life, rushing for 15 touchdowns in his 55 starts, and Dallas is incapable of slowing teams down near the goal line.
Bet on MNF at bet365!
Your Monday Night Football bets are never ordinary at bet365! Sign up now and by placing $5 on your first bet, you get $200 in bonus bets — win or lose!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
Cowboys anytime touchdown pick
George Pickens (+130 at bet365)
It’s hard to really fall in love with any of these Cowboys receivers. After all, this Cardinals secondary has been pretty solid this season, and the Cowboys have featured a somewhat one-dimensional look with one of the lowest run-play rates in the league.
Arizona has thrived against the deep ball, but it’s lacked gumption just beyond the line of scrimmage, along with up front against the run. I think we want to focus on some short-yardage pass-catchers, and Arizona has given up the most red zone touches to opposing wide receivers.
Only five players in football have more red zone targets than George Pickens, who has 12, and three of his four red zone catches have gone for six. With some names at linebacker banged up for Arizona to boot, this has to be the way to go.
Pickens had scored six touchdowns in five weeks up until Dallas’s Week 7 win over Washington, and after two scoreless weeks, this is the time to pounce.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
