NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Lions vs. Cardinals, Week 1: Preview, odds, prediction, TV channel, live stream

By Cody Williams

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals hands off the ball to David Johnson #31 in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals hands off the ball to David Johnson #31 in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kyler Murray debuts for the Arizona Cardinals as he and Kliff Kingsbury face a tough test against Matt Patricia’s Detroit Lions and a revamped defense.

Few teams have been more polarizing in the 2019 offseason than the Arizona Cardinals. After drafting Josh Rosen in the top 10 one year ago, they used the first overall pick on another quarterback, Kyler Murray, then traded away Rosen. Now, Murray and new head coach Kliff Kingsbury take center stage as they welcome the Detroit Lions to State Farm Stadium

The Lions have made notable improvements coming into the 2019 season in the second year under Matt Patricia. Detroit’s defense should be improved greatly with the additions of defensive end Trey Flowers and cornerback Justin Coleman.

We know what Matthew Stafford and the Detroit offense are capable of, especially if Kerryon Johnson is able to balance the attack with strong running. If the defense takes a step forward too, this team could be tough for anyone to beat.

And while Murray’s presence in the air-raid offense of Kingsbury is enticing, this Cardinals team has plenty of inefficiencies. Their offensive line remains porous, which is bad news for David Johnson and Murray. Furthermore, the defense that already has holes is without Patrick Peterson to being the year. Suffice it to say, this could be a rough season for the Red Birds.

How to watch and bet on Lions vs. Cardinals in NFL Week 1

Date: Sunday, Sept. 8
Start Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Stadium – Glendale, AZ
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, FuboTV

Point Spread: Lions -3
Moneyline: Detroit -150, Arizona +130
Over/Under: 45.5

Despite the prospects of what the Cardinals offense could be this season, that’s not going to happen in Week 1. I’m a fan of the improvements that the Lions have made to fit Patricia’s style of coaching and their defense should allow them to cover and be the winner against the moneyline. Moreover, that should lead to the under hitting.

If you’re looking to follow along with the game, do so with the live and updating box score here.

Next. NFL Over/Unders: Predictions for all 32 teams. dark

It’d be great fun for the Cardinals to enter the 2019 season and light the world on fire but it just doesn’t seem like it’s in the, well, cards. The Lions are a bad matchup for this team and, even though they’re on the road, they should take care of business on Sunday afternoon in Glendale.

Home/Arizona Cardinals