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Full Breakdown

Cowboys vs. Cardinals: Week 8 Showdown

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Historical Dominance and Recent Trends

Since the Cardinals moved to Arizona, they have turned the series into a “boogey-team” for Dallas. From 2008 through the 2025 season, Arizona won eight of nine meetings, including a 27-17 victory in Dallas that cemented Jacoby Brissett as the starter. Overall, the two clubs have met 97 times, with Dallas leading the all-time record 56-40-1, but the recent decade has favored Arizona. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has never beaten the Cardinals in his career, losing all four matchups since being drafted in 2020.

Dallas Cowboys Recent History Against the Arizona Cardinals

02

Numbers That Matter

  • Turnover differential: Across the nine Cowboys-Cardinals games since 2008, Dallas posted a –11 turnover margin (15 turnovers forced vs. four giveaways) – according to CBS Sports.
Dallas Cowboys Recent History Against the Arizona Cardinals
  • Defensive rankings: Arizona ranks last in the league for points allowed (29.7 pts/game) and 29th in defensive EPA/play. Their red-zone touchdown rate sits at 42.9 %.
Arizona Republic
  • Offensive rankings: Dallas is the NFL’s No. 5 scoring offense (27.0 pts/game). The Cowboys’ rushing attack, led by Javonte Williams, has become a key factor, while the Cardinals rank 23rd in yards per carry (3.7 y/r).
Sports Illustrated
  • Betting line: DraftKings Sportsbook listed Dallas as a seven-point home favorite for the upcoming Sunday contest.
Sports Illustrated

Visual evidence

Images from the story

Dallas Cowboys Part Ways With Former Cardinals RB
Dallas Cowboys Part Ways With Former Cardinals RBPhoto: heavy
Oct 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a playb during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a playb during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesPhoto: atozsports
Cowboys Get Encouraging Injury Update on 59-Game Starter Before Cardinals Game
Cowboys Get Encouraging Injury Update on 59-Game Starter Before Cardinals GamePhoto: heavy
Mauricio Rodriguez
Mauricio RodriguezPhoto: atozsports
Cowboys Star Rookie Gets ‘Little Break’ With Demotion
Cowboys Star Rookie Gets ‘Little Break’ With DemotionPhoto: heavy
Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer Calls Out Team for ‘Self-Inflicted Wounds’
Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer Calls Out Team for ‘Self-Inflicted Wounds’Photo: heavy
$22 Million ‘Jalen Carter Stopper’ Lives Up to Nickname for Cowboys
$22 Million ‘Jalen Carter Stopper’ Lives Up to Nickname for CowboysPhoto: heavy
Cowboys Star Admits He Nearly Retired Last Year
Cowboys Star Admits He Nearly Retired Last YearPhoto: heavy

03

Official Statements & Responses

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer countered that the series’ outcome hinges on “the ball,” emphasizing the Cowboys’ –11 turnover differential as the decisive factor. Quarterback Dak Prescott added after practice that the Cardinals have been a tough opponent and that the Cowboys must take care of business to break the streak.

CBS Sports

04

Why It Matters for Dallas

A win would bring the Cowboys to .500 (4-4) and keep them in the NFC East race against the New York Giants. It would also be the first back-to-back victory of the season, potentially shifting momentum after a recent Monday-night loss to the Eagles on Oct 26, 2026. Conversely, a loss would extend the “curse” and deepen concerns about turnover-prone play that has plagued Dallas in previous Cardinals matchups.

Dallas Cowboys Recent History Against the Arizona Cardinals

05

Verbatim Quotes

  • “I've never beaten the Cardinals since I've been in the league. So that's fair to say,” — Reuters Connect Lamb
CBS Sports
  • “I'll disagree with CeeDee a little bit,” — Brian Schottenheimer, dallas head coach
CBS Sports
  • “I've never beat the Cardinals since I've been in the league, so that's kind of fair to say,” — Reuters Connect Lamb
Sports Illustrated