Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction 9-8-24 NFL Picks

The Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills meet Sunday in NFL week 1 action at Highmark Stadium. Here’s a Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction. This article will include a Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals Pick.

Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview

The Arizona Cardinals have won a combined 8 Games in the last 2 seasons and enter the second year under coach Jonathan Gannon. The Cardinals have made the playoffs just once since 2016. A full season of Kyler Murray would be great, but he’s played just 19 Games in the last two seasons, so there’s reason for concern. The Cardinals offensive line is respectable and playmakers of James Conner, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride create what could be one of the better offenses in the league. Of course, Murray being available for every Game will determine if things truly pan out.

Defensively, the Cardinals weren’t good last year and there are serious concerns with the front seven. The Cardinals have a lot of questions on the defensive line and at linebacker. Drafting Darius Robinson only does so much. A secondary of Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker can hold its own, but it won’t matter if there’s no pass rush. The Cardinals are a tricky team because there’s potential if the QB stays healthy and the defense can improve up front.

Buffalo Bills Betting Preview

The Buffalo Bills have won double-digit games in each of the last 5 years and enter the eighth year under coach Sean McDermott. The Bills have a chance to make the playoffs in six straight seasons for the first time since 1988-93. The Bills will look different offensively with no Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis and others, but quarterback Josh Allen is still around. As long as that’s the case, Buffalo can’t be taken lightly. James Cook is coming off a 1,000-yard season, and I’m sure weapons will emerge as the season plays out. However, there are questions with the Bills offensive line and at the receiver position.

Defensively, the Bills will eventually get Matt Milano back, which is a boost to the linebacker core. A defensive line of DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau is as good as any in the NFL. The Bills were fantastic defensively last season until injuries started to pile up. Assuming Health is on their side this season, the Bills should once again have one of the better units in the league. The Bills aren’t as hyped as they were a year or two ago, but this team can’t be counted out due to having a franchise quarterback.

Why the Buffalo Bills will win

• The Bills have won 10 of their last 11 home games against NFC opponents on a winning streak.
• The Cardinals have lost seven of their last eight games against AFC opponents on a winning streak.
• The Bills have covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 September games against NFC opponents.
• The Cardinals have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against AFC East opponents.
• The Bills have won the first quarter in eight of their last nine games against NFC West opponents.
• The Bills have won the first half in each of their last eight September games as home favorites.
• The Bills have scored the first touchdown in 11 of their last 12 home games against NFC opponents.

Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction

The Buffalo Bills are going to get the benefit of the doubt for obvious reasons, especially at home. However, the Bills have questions on offense with lost weapons and a shaky offensive line. The defense also won’t be firing on all cylinders with no Milano just yet. The Cardinals can move the ball offensively, and that makes them scary. Also, the Bills are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Games when favorites of 5 or more points. Decent number of points for a season opener. Give me the Cardinals and the free points.