As part of our 2023 NFL Preseason Preview Series, we look at the current state of each team in an attempt to identify reasons for optimism and causes for concern and, most importantly, what can be exploited in the current betting marketplace.
ARIZONA CARDINALS: REASONS FOR OPTIMISM
When a team has a new coaching staff and the franchise quarterback is likely to miss the entire season with an injury, there is not much to be optimistic about. Now, the Arizona Cardinals may have hit the proverbial bottom of the barrel and have nowhere to go but up. Arizona’s offense ranked 30th last season, had the third-most adjusted games lost to injury, and won only 1/4 of their one-score games. A new coaching staff and play-calling scheme may be just what the doctor ordered - but at worst, the Cardinals have nothing to lose. Backup quarterback Colt McCoy is a significant step down from a healthy Kyler Murray, but he is a professional, has a rapport with his teammates, and will certainly be less of a distraction than Kyler Murray was last season. Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism is that the Cardinals have a very clear pathway to improvement with the implementation of a long-term approach.
ARIZONA CARDINALS: CAUSE FOR CONCERN
With Kyler Murray rehabbing from his ACL injury, there is speculation that the Cardinals will look to the future and play things cautiously with their franchise quarterback. If that logic prevails, Arizona would be prudent to prioritize player development and draft capital rather than wins. With a new coaching staff and injuries/departures to some of their most recognizable and important players, ownership and the fan base have low expectations for this group. Even with the likes of DeAndre Hopkins, JJ Watt, and Byron Murphy in the fold, the Cardinals could only muster 4 wins last season. With a new coaching staff, new scheme, and one of the worst rosters in the league, Arizona will most likely look toward 2024 when they have a healthy Kyler Murray, another set of high draft picks, and cap space before raising their expectations. There are better days ahead for the Cardinals. They just won’t come in 2023.
ARIZONA CARDINALS: BETTING OPPORTUNITIES
The Arizona Cardinals are the only team in the league not to be favored in any games this year based on Steve Rieder’s Power Ratings. With a win projection of just 4.17 games, Arizona is projected to finish last in its division, conference, and the NFL. With the Cardinals’ win total set at 4.5, there isn’t enough value on their win total under - but there is an opportunity to fade the Cardinals in the lookahead marketplace. In Week 4, Arizona is hosting the NFC West-favorite 49ers. Last season, SF beat Arizona by 28 and 25 respectively. Now, SF is only laying -9.5 in Week 4. This number is repressed because of SF’s own quarterback injuries and the unknown of whether or not Arizona will be looking at this season as a rebuild. With all reports positive on Brock Purdy’s progress and with the Cardinals most likely in a rebuilding year, we have to lay the number.
Best Bet: Week 4 SF -9.5 (play to -10.5)