This week’s Thursday Night Football Showdown pits the Arizona Cardinals (2-4) against the New Orleans Saints (2-4). The game will begin at 8:15 ET. We continue our NFL odds series below with a prediction and pick for the Saints vs. Cardinals game.
As we enter week seven, New Orleans is 2-4. The Saints lost four of their next five games after beating the Falcons in the season opener. In week five, they narrowly defeated the Seahawks, but they also suffered defeats to the Buccaneers, Panthers, Vikings, and most recently, the Bengals. In the NFC South, New Orleans is ranked third (1-2 in division play). The Saints’ season ATS record is 2-4. They lost four of their six games.
Arizona is 2-4 going into this week as well. The Cardinals opened the season 2-2, defeating the Chiefs and Rams while defeating the Raiders and Panthers. Since then, they’ve suffered consecutive losses to the Eagles and Seahawks. Last in the NFC West is Arizona (0-2 in division play). This year, the Cardinals have a 3-3 ATS record. Their six games have lost four of them.
courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Saints-Cardinals NFL odds.
NFL Odds: Saints-Cardinals Odds
Saints of New Orleans: +2.5 (-105)
Cardinals of Arizona: -2.5 (-115)
Over: 43.5 (-110) (-110)
Under: 43.5 (-110)
Why The Saints Could Cover The Spread
Not like the Saints of your grandparents.
On the other hand, under head coach Dennis Allen, New Orleans has failed to find their footing. However, the squad has struggled with injuries, and there are some indications that this week might be a turning point. Despite the frequent rotation of its skill position players, the Saints have been able to move the ball rather successfully. In terms of both points and yards scored per game, New Orleans is ranked 11th. On the ground, they have proven to be very successful.
In terms of yards per carry and rushing yards per game, New Orleans is ranked third. Despite Alvin Kamara, a prominent rusher, missing two games due to injury. However, the Saints’ offence is in full swing now that Kamara is well. Since coming back into the lineup, Kamara has gained more than 100 total yards in both of his outings (although he is still looking for his first touchdown of the year).
Jameis Winston, who started the first game, may not be available, therefore backup Andy Dalton will likely start this week’s contest. Regardless of who gets the start, they’ll be well-positioned to succeed when playing the 24th-ranked pass-DVOA Cardinals defence. In his three games, Dalton has only once surpassed 200 yards, but he will be reunited with rookie wideout Chris Olave. It’s important to consider how Dalton has performed in primetime when constructing a Saints-Cardinals prediction. The Saints’ quarterback has the poorest record among quarterbacks in the twenty-first century with a 6-18 record in primetime games.
Why The Cardinals Could Cover The Spread
It’s incredible to think that the Cardinals started the previous season 7-0. This season, Arizona has had trouble getting off to a good start. They rank 22nd in points per game, 31st in yards per play, and 29th in team DVOA. With the 27th highest completion percentage and 22nd most points allowed per game, the defence has been at best subpar. To put it simply, the Cardinals have not performed well. Why then is there hope for an Arizona cover?
That’s easy. Hopkins is back in action. The standout wide receiver for the Cardinals will make his season debut after serving a six-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs against league policy. For Cardinals supporters, his addition is a sight to behold. Hopkins was only able to play in ten games last season. When available, he recorded 42 receptions for 572 yards and eight touchdowns. The 30-year-old has six seasons with at least 1,000 yards. He exceeded 1,400 yards in his final full season with Arizona.
The Cardinals should benefit greatly from Hopkins’ comeback both this week and moving ahead. Hopkins has started 16 games for the Cardinals in their history. It’s no accident that they started losing games once the wide receiver went hurt because he was a key component of their 7-0 start the previous season. The quarterback Kyler Murray will have the most influence. This season, Murray hasn’t been himself. However, with his preferred target back, he should have some significant games.
When Hopkins is active, Murray completes 4% more passes, has a passer rating that is 11 points higher, and throws for approximately 30 more yards per game than when he is not. Hopkins’ impact on his quarterback is enormous, and his contribution cannot be overstated. Even though the newest Call of Duty is releasing this week, Kyler is set to have his greatest game of the season because to Hopkins’ return and the Saints’ 21st-ranked pass defence.
Final Saints-Cardinals Prediction & Pick
You’re familiar with the routine since it’s Thursday Night Football. Push that beneath.
Under 43.5 is the final Saints-Cardinals prediction and pick (-110)
The postNFL Odds: Saints vs. Cardinals prediction, odds and pick – 10/20/2022appeared first onClutchPoints.
