New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals: Following a 5-12 finish last season, the bar may somehow be set even lower for the New Orleans Saints. Down in the Big Easy, the quarterback room features Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, and Jake Haener, with Rattler earning the starting job.
In the desert, the Arizona Cardinals are coming off an 8-9 campaign but could emerge as a sneaky playoff contender this year. Coach Jonathan Gannon enters his third season with what looks like his best roster yet.
Quarterback Kyler Murray and second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. have both emphasized the strides in their chemistry this offseason, and if that carries over into live action, it could spell trouble for the Saints. Let’s dive into my picks and predictions for the New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals.
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New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals NFL Betting Insights
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals aim to start the season strong against the Saints
Moore Changes
The youngest coach in the NFL is looking for his first career win, but 37-year-old Kellen Moore’s crew faces an uphill climb as 6.5-point underdogs.
The Cardinals made it a priority to beef up their defensive line this offseason. They added Josh Sweat, the Eagles’ sack leader with eight a year ago, signed former Browns tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, and welcomed back veteran Calais Campbell.
The Cardinals are trending in the right direction, while the Saints could be shuffling through new-look personnel throughout the year.
MHJ All Day
As mentioned, Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. have emphasized how much stronger their connection has grown this offseason, and I expect that to show up immediately.
The Saints’ secondary allowed 11.1 yards per completion last year, and while slight improvement is possible, I don’t see them slowing down Harrison. His receiving prop sits at 55.5 yards (-115), a number I like him to clear. The Cardinals should look to feed him early and often.
Full Picture
If Arizona is going to take the step forward I expect, it has to start here against what could be the league’s worst team. Still, laying -6.5 on the road in Week 1 is a tall order.
I think the Cardinals get the win, but I’d rather wait for an in-game angle. With a total around 43, there’s potential for limited scoring to keep things close early, creating a shot at a better live number. That’s my plan regarding a bet on the side, while ultimately expecting Arizona to take care of business and for Marvin Harrison Jr. to shine in his debut.
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