The New Orleans Saints head to Arizona this week with a 2-4 record, but they could easily be 4-2. They gave up last-minute comebacks to Minnesota in London and then to Cincinnati at home last week, losing those games by a combined seven points. They’re having to play without starting quarterback Jameis Winston, but Andy Dalton has led the team quite ably in his absence. It’s the New Orleans defense that has been the issue, giving up at least 28 points in three straight games. The Cardinals are also 2-4, having dropped two in a row, but the offense has looked dreadful just about every week except that Week 2 miracle, when they came back to force the Raiders to overtime and then won in the extra frame. The Cardinals did add Robbie Anderson via trade this week, and they also get DeAndre Hopkins back on offense. Will it be enough? Let’s take a closer look as you plan your online betting for the coming weekend.
NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals
(Thursday, October 20)
When: Thursday, October 20, 2022, 8:15 pm ET
Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
TV: Prime Video
Radio: Westwood One
Live Stream: Prime Video
NFL Odds: Arizona -2 / O/U 44 // Arizona -130 / New Orleans +110
Why should you bet on the Saints?
The offense has been productive for New Orleans with Dalton at the wheel; the Saints went up 23-14 midway through the third period last week, but they allowed nine unanswered points in the last four minutes of regulation, including the game-winning strike from Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase with 1:57 left on the clock. Dalton was 17 of 32 for 162 yards and a score, and his inability to muster much in the two-minute drill was a problem, but the Saints’ defense also surrendered a lot of scoring in the game’s waning minutes.
It would help, of course, if Dalton had Jarvis Landry or Michael Thomas running routes for him. Both of them missed the Cincinnati game, and rookie wideout Chris Olave was also in the concussion protocol. Olave still needs official clearance to take part on Thursday. Tailback Alvin Kamara has run for 302 yards, and Olave has led the team with 25 catches for 389 yards and a pair of touchdowns. They play a Cardinal defense that ranks 12th in the league. If you like the Saints, you see Olave returning, and you see the Cardinals’ offense continuing to struggle despite the return of Hopkins and the addition of Anderson.
Why should you put your money on the Cardinals?
The Arizona offense officially went on life support last week, as they went to Seattle and lost, 19-9, without scoring an offensive touchdown. They permitted a dozen unanswered points during the game and only found the end zone thanks to a blocked punt that led to a fumble recovery in the end zone. Kyler Murray went 23 of 37 for 222 yards and an interception, and he also carried the ball 10 times for 100 yards to lead the team on the ground as well. He also put the ball on the ground twice and lost one of them.
Last year, the Arizona offense ranked eighth in the NFL in yards per game (373.6), but this year, that has dropped to 346, which ranks #16. Hopkins caught 42 balls for 572 yards and eight scores in 10 games in 2021, but Hollywood Brown heads to the injured reserve with a foot injury. If you like the Cardinals, you see the return of Hopkins rejuvenating Murray and the rest of the Arizona offense.
Final Score and Prediction
Arizona has lost eight in a row at home and has just won three of their last 12 games overall, covering only four times during that 12-game stretch. Meanwhile, the Saints have covered in eight of their last 11. Dalton is not your ordinary backup, as he has done well for the Cowboys and Bears in limited action in recent years, and he has also guided the Saints’ offense ably. Saints to cover.
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