Two NFC teams that finished in last place in their respective divisions a year ago will square off in Arizona when the Cardinals host the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium. The home team went 1-7 straight up in the second half of the 2018 campaign (3-5 against the spread) and hopes to turn things around this season with a new head coach and quarterback.
Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals (Matchup Report)
Date/Time: September 8, 4:25 p.m. ET
TV Coverage: FOX
Sportsbook Odds: Arizona -2 | O/U 44.5 (Line History)
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Arizona has gone from a 2-point home favorite to a 2.5-point underdog because bettors are backing a more experienced team in Detroit that went through a similar coaching transition last year. The total has jumped from 44.5 to 47.5 with the defenses for each team a concern.
Detroit News & Notes
This is the second season for head coach Matt Patricia, who started and closed his first strong despite the Lions getting blown out 48-17 by the New York Jets as 7-point home favorites in the opener on Monday Night Football. After that loss, Detroit covered the spread in five straight games (3-2 SU) and also beat the number in three of four down the stretch.
The question is, can quarterback Matthew Stafford rebound from one of the worst statistical years of his career? The defense is solid under Patricia, but the offense must find a way to score more points, especially against a Cardinals team that will be looking to run up and down the field. The running game should be improved with a healthy Kerryon Johnson back as well.
Arizona News & Notes
New head coach Kliff Kingsbury will have his work cut out for him in Arizona, but at least he will have a franchise quarterback to mentor in rookie Kyler Murray, last year’s Heisman Trophy Sportsbook with the Oklahoma Sooners. Murray was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he will be thrown into the fire right away with some quality veterans to help him out in running back David Johnson and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Johnson’s health remains a concern, but he is still one of the best at his position when on the field. While there will be some pressure to win, the Cardinals started last year at 0-4 SU (2-2 ATS) before picking up their first victory. This is a winnable game, although bettors see it differently.
Betting Pick
Nobody knows how Murray will perform in his first NFL game, but Arizona should be able to put up points regardless. The Cardinals will be looking to score early and often, and the Lions will be trying to do the same thing. Ride the line movement and take the OVER up to 49.
- Arizona’s first 4 games last season all went UNDER the total.
- Detroit started last year 5-1 ATS, covering 5 straight after the season opener.
- Detroit’s last 7 games all went UNDER the total to close out 2018.
