Oakland at Arizona NFL Preseason Lines, Betting Pick & Preview Week 1

The Oakland Raiders — a team that many see as on the rise — take on an Arizona Cardinals team that may be seeing their Super Bowl window slamming shut with the twilight of Carson Palmer’s career in the desert. Arizona jumped out to an early 15-0 lead in Dallas in the Hall of Fame Game only to see the Cowboys grind away at their lead and come away with a 20-18 win. The Raiders take the field for the first time this preseason, and while Derek Carr has returned from his season-ending injury a year ago, I wouldn’t expect to see much of him — instead, we’ll see Connor Cook and EJ Manuel sparring for that backup position. The Cardinals are the betting favorites against the Raiders, so let’s check out this NFL preseason matchup with the latest expert preview.

Oakland at Arizona NFL Preseason Lines, Betting Pick & Preview Week 1

Never make it easy. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/CP9MMGgi5M

— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) August 10, 2017

When: Saturday, August 12, 2017, 10:00 PM ET Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix TV: Local Affiliates Only Radio: KGMZ 95.7 FM (Oakland) / KTAR 620 AM (Arizona) Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Preseason Odds: Arizona -3

Why should you bet on the Raiders?

Oakland’s offense was one of the best in the NFL last year, and DeAndre Washington, expected to be the featured back on Saturday night, was a big part of that, rolling up 467 yards and a pair of touchdowns in relief of Latavius Murray. Elijah Hood enters the mix as a rookie tailback who also will get some carries against the Cardinals. The passing game could be pretty slow on Saturday night, as neither EJ Manuel nor Connor Cook has all that much impressive in the NFL. Manuel has more experience, but his results have been mixed at best. Cook started the Raiders’ preseason debacle last year, getting his NFL baptism by fire, but at Michigan State he showed the potential that led the Raiders to sign him.

What Can We Expect from the Rushing Team for Oakland?

The Raiders had a terrific pass rush a year ago, led by Khalil Mack, and he and the rest of the Raider defense look to start right where they finished a year ago. The Cowboys weren’t able to muster much rush on the Arizona quarterbacks a week ago, but the Raiders have more speed and talent up front and should be able to get those Cardinal quarterbacks flushed out of the pocket.

Why should you put your money on the Cardinals?

Is Blaine Gabbert ready for a revival of his career now that he’s left San Francisco behind? He did go 11 for 14 for 185 yards against Dallas. But Dallas doesn’t typically prepare well for preseason games, particularly on defense. Trevor Knight fared worse, going 5 for 14 for 68 yards. The Cardinals didn’t have a lot going on the ground in that game, picking up just 88 yards, but David Johnson did not play. Keep your eyes on tight end Ifeanyi Momah, who caught three passes for 48 yards against Dallas, and look for the passing game to be at the forefront unless Johnson takes the field.

How Well is the Defense for the Cards This Season?

The defense has been one of Arizona’s strengths in the past, and their top unit fared well against Dallas in the Hall of Fame Game, as the Cowboys did not mount their comeback until everyone on the field was well down the depth chart. The Raiders have more of a pass-first offense — but with Cook and Manuel running the show, the Cardinals shouldn’t have the problems that they would have if Derek Carr were playing.

Oakland vs Arizona Game History

• Total Meetings: 9
• First Meeting: October 3rd, 1973. Busch Memorial Stadium. St. Louis, Missouri.
• Last Meeting: October 19th, 2014. O.co Coliseum. Oakland, California.
• All-Time Series: Oakland 5-4-0
• Largest Margin of Victory: Oakland 41-20 (2002)
• Longest Win Streak: Oakland 2 (1989-1998)
• Current Win Streak: Arizona 2 (2010-2014)

Expert NFL Preseason Pick and Final Score Prediction

I have the Raiders picked to win the AFC West this season — but without Carr in the game, and with Connor and Manuel the two Raiders quarterbacks, I don’t see the Oakland offense doing a whole lot. Pay attention to the over/under, and if the total is below 39, I’d consider taking the under as I’m not sure either one of them can move the ball. Give me the Cardinals winning in a 20-9 slugfest.