The Cardinals’ Super Bowl odds of +6500 suggest a 1.5% implied probability of them lifting the Lombardi Trophy. To put that into perspective, Arizona has better odds than just five other teams in the NFL. Their chances to win the NFC West are not much more optimistic, sitting at +750, well behind division rivals like the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, who have been perennial contenders.
For bettors, this means Arizona is largely viewed as an underdog, both in single games and in the broader scope of the season. They have been the underdog in every game so far, and with a tough schedule in the NFC West, that trend is unlikely to change.
The Cardinals have also struggled against the spread, covering only twice this season. Arizona's underdog status could offer some value for the savvy bettor, but given their inconsistency, it’s a risky proposition.
Offensive Bright Spots Amid Struggles
Despite their overall odds, the Cardinals' offense has shown glimpses of potency. After three games, they rank 3rd in the league with an impressive 27.3 points per game. This output is driven by a balanced attack through the air and on the ground, where they rank 14th in passing yards (201.3 per game) and 9th in rushing yards (144.0 per game). Their ability to move the chains on third down, converting 45.5% of the time (4th in the NFL), has kept them competitive in games.
Kyler Murray, returning from injury, has been one of the key factors in this resurgence. In three games, he’s thrown for 635 yards and five touchdowns, completing a solid 68.6% of his passes.
What’s notable about Murray’s performance is his efficiency; he's only thrown one interception thus far, limiting turnovers and giving the Cardinals a fighting chance in close games.
The addition of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has provided a major boost. Harrison’s athleticism and route running have been a revelation, as he’s already caught 10 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns in his first three NFL games.
Running back James Conner continues to be a workhorse, racking up 189 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. While his production isn’t eye-popping, his consistency and reliability in short-yardage situations make him a valuable piece of the Cardinals' attack.
For bettors keen on capitalizing on underdog opportunities, Arizona’s offensive firepower makes them a team worth considering, especially against teams that overlook them. Starting with the DraftKings promo code could be a way to benefit from their surprise factor as the season progresses.
Defensive Struggles and Key Contributors
While the offense has flashed promise, the defense has been a mixed bag. The Cardinals rank 21st in points allowed, giving up 21.3 per game, a figure that places them squarely in the lower half of the NFL. Their defense has struggled particularly in containing opponents in the red zone, allowing touchdowns on 63.6% of opponent trips, a statistic that ranks 24th in the league.
On the positive side, there have been standout individual performances. Dennis Gardeck, a linebacker known for his energy and pass-rushing skills, has already racked up 3.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss (TFL) in just three games. Gardeck’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be critical for the Cardinals moving forward, particularly against the high-powered offenses in the NFC West.
Safety Budda Baker continues to be the heart of Arizona’s defense. In his first three games, he has recorded 25 tackles and 3.0 TFL, showing his versatility as both a run-stopper and a pass defender. Baker’s leadership and all-around playmaking ability are indispensable, but he can’t do it alone. The Cardinals' defense will need to tighten up across the board if they hope to stay competitive against tougher competition.
Linebacker Kyzir White has also been productive, tallying 28 tackles and 1.0 TFL, anchoring the middle of the defense. However, without a dominant front four to consistently pressure the quarterback, White and Baker are often left cleaning up plays further down the field.
Final Words
The Cardinals have a difficult road. With one of the tougher divisions in football and a roster that is still being rebuilt, the odds remain stacked against them. However, the flashes of brilliance from key players like Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Budda Baker suggest that the team isn’t entirely out of hope. Arizona’s ability to move the ball efficiently on offense gives them a chance to stay in games, even if their defense continues to give up points.
In terms of betting, the Cardinals remain an intriguing underdog. Given their ability to score points and cover spreads in the right matchups, bettors might find value in individual games rather than long-term futures bets. But for those looking for the Cardinals to defy the odds and make a deep postseason run, the current state of their roster suggests that the rebuild is still in progress, with brighter days likely a season or two away.
Website of Source: https://www.azcardinals.com/
Source: Story.KISSPR.com
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