The Arizona Cardinals are one of the oldest football teams in the history of the sport, dating all the way back to 1898, when they were established as an amateur club in Chicago. The Cardinals, along with the Chicago Bears, are the only two NFL charter members who have been in operation since the league began. In 1960, the team moved to St. Louis, and then in 1987, the Cardinals moved to Arizona. The franchise has a pair of championships in the NFL, but the most recent took place in 1947, which gives the Cardinals a 72-year title drought, the longest of any professional sports team in North America. The team has hope thanks to quarterback Kyler Murray and a talented roster that includes wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and defensive lineman J.J. Watt, among others.
For the online NFL betting enthusiast, the Cardinals are an exciting team — so let’s take a look at their schedule, week by week, with an eye toward predicting how many games they will win.
NFL News: Arizona Cardinals Win/Loss Analysis & Betting Prediction
Week 1: at Tennessee Titans (-2.5) (Sunday afternoon)
I expect the Arizona offense to show more production this season than last, but their defense will be tested mightily in the opener. Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill now has Julio Jones running routes for him, and Derrick Henry returns after another 2,000-yard season carrying the ball. Titans to win and cover (0-1).
Week 2: vs Minnesota Vikings (Sunday afternoon)
Patrick Peterson, the longtime Cardinal defensive back, is now a Minnesota Viking. However, three of the four Minnesota quarterbacks (including starter Kirk Cousins) are on the NFL COVID-19 list, which will slow preparation for the team opener. I see the Cardinals getting an edge here. Cards to win (1-1).
Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday afternoon)
Wow — two early afternoon starts in the Eastern time zone for a team based three hours behind in the first three weeks. Trevor Lawrence leads the Jags’ offense, which is supposed to be phenomenal, but can the Jacksonville defense get enough stops? Cards to win (2-1).
Week 4: at L.A. Rams (Sunday afternoon)
While Kliff Kingsbury has been the Cardinals’ head coach, the team has won just six times in 16 road games. The Rams have won 23 of their last 32 home games, and this will be a full SoFi Stadium, which should give the Rams an advantage. Rams to win (2-2).
Week 5: vs San Francisco 49ers (Sunday afternoon)
The 49ers have a lot of talent and a lot of grit, but they don’t have the defense to hang with the Cardinals’ receivers — and the 49ers haven’t settled on a quarterback yet. Cards to win (3-2).
Week 6: at Cleveland Browns (Sunday afternoon)
This is a great measuring stick game for both teams, as the Browns believe they are title contenders — and so does much of the rest of the NFL. On the road, though, this is too much for the Cards to handle. Browns to win (3-3).
Week 7: vs Houston Texans (Sunday afternoon)
You can win with roster dysfunction if you have a ton of talent, and you can win without a bunch of stars on your team if you have unity. When you have neither (like Houston does), then you face an ugly season. Cards to win (4-3).
Week 8: vs Green Bay Packers (Thursday night)
Aaron Rodgers is back for the Packers. However, a road game on a short week makes their offense difficult to plan. The Packers have a decent defense, but I see the Cardinals pulling away late. Cards to win (5-3).
Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday afternoon)
These are usually close games, as the last eight matchups have featured a combined differential of nine points. I see the Cardinals pulling off the sweep, though, as the 49ers struggle with their offense. Cards to win (6-3).
Week 10: vs Carolina Panthers (Sunday afternoon)
Sam Darnold will square off with Kyler Murray in this game, as Darnold has left behind the green and white to restart his career in Carolina. The Panthers’ defense is still a work in progress, so the Cardinals should have plenty of chances to move the ball. Cards to win (7-3).
Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks (Sunday afternoon)
It’s hard to win in Seattle and Russell Wilson has 30 touchdown passes with only eight picks in 18 career starts against the Cardinals — who (as we mentioned before) can struggle on the road. Seahawks to win (7-4).
Week 12: BYE
Week 13: at Chicago Bears (Sunday afternoon)
By now, Justin Fields should be the starting quarterback in Chicago, which should make for an exciting matchup between the rookie and Murray. The defense for the Cardinals should be able to hold down the fort, but it will be close. Cards win (8-4).
Week 14: vs Los Angeles Rams (Monday night)
Yes, the Rams have Matthew Stafford, and Kliff Kingsbury has never beaten the Rams as a head coach. I see Aaron Donald terrorizing Murray all night long…but I also see Stafford making some key mistakes late. Cards win (9-4).
Week 15: at Detroit Lions (Sunday afternoon)
Did you know Jared Goff was 7-1 with 11 touchdowns against Arizona when he was the Rams’ quarterback? He doesn’t have nearly that same talent around him now, though, and the Cardinals will get payback. Cards win (10-4).
Week 16: vs Indianapolis Colts (Christmas Day)
Remember, Carson Wentz is out indefinitely for the Colts with foot surgery, but he could be back in time for this game. I see the Cardinals selling out on the pass rush to make his life miserable and haul in some interceptions. Cards win (11-4).
Week 17: at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday afternoon)
Dallas’ offense is back, as Dak Prescott should be healthy in time for the season opener, but the defense is still new. I see this turning into a high-scoring affair — but I like Arizona to pull it out. Cards win (12-4).
Week 18: vs Seattle Seahawks (Sunday afternoon)
This game could decide the NFC West. Can the Cardinals pull off what would be a huge home win? They have finished this season on a real roll, and I don’t see the Seahawks stopping that here. Cards win (13-4).
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