The Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals both drew tough battles in Week 1. Both teams came up short, highly-motivated opponents to open the season.
When it comes to Raiders vs Cardinals betting, it is worth wondering how much to worry about each team’s loss in the season-opening week.
The Kansas City Chiefs pasted the Cardinals in NFL Week 1, grabbing a 14-point, first-quarter lead and never let up.
The Raiders gave the Los Angeles Chargers a tough battle before coming up a few points short of a win. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how NFL odds see the matchup between Las Vegas and Arizona will play out.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Arizona Cardinals
Las Vegas Current Odds
Raiders stats show they are 6-point favorites and -235 on the Moneyline. The over/under has been set at 51.5 points.
Arizona Current Odds
The Cardinals are +200 on the Moneyline.
Raiders Strengths and Weaknesses
When it comes to Las Vegas’ offense, the Raiders will need more consistency from quarterback Derek Carr if they want to move up in the NFL standings.
NFL Standings
Carr passed for 295 yards against the Chargers but also threw three interceptions. Las Vegas also fell behind early against Los Angeles and couldn’t implement a balanced offensive game plan.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs averaged 5.7 yards per carrying, but only had 10 carries. Las Vegas did demonstrate they can be proficient in important areas.
The Raiders converted 5-of-11 of their third-down attempts and were only penalized three times for 11 yards.
Cardinals Strengths and Weaknesses
Opening the Arizona Cardinals’ schedule against the Chiefs allowed Arizona to get a serious look at what kind of defense it has.
What the Cardinals found out is they have a lot more work to do if they are going to get back to the playoffs.
Arizona was torched by Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who passed for 360 yards and five touchdowns. In total, Arizona ended up giving up 488 yards of total offense.
Cardinals’ Offense
Raiders vs Cardinals betting shows Arizona’s offense was mostly a mixed bag in the season opener. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray passed for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Murray didn’t throw an interception.
In the run game, the Arizona Cardinals struggled to get anyone going. Murray led the team with 29 rushing yards, and no running back gained more than 28. James Conner scored a touchdown on the ground for Arizona.
Team Season Forecast
Las Vegas Season Forecast
When it comes to Raiders vs Cardinals betting, people will be able to tell every game will be important for Las Vegas.
The AFC West race will be a tight one with the:
- Chiefs
- Chargers
- Raiders
- Denver Broncos
All expected to contend. The Raiders are expected to challenge for a Wild Card spot if things go well.
Arizona Season Forecast
The Cardinals are hoping Murray’s excellence can help the team challenge for the NFC West title.
Arizona will face stiff competition from San Francisco and the Los Angeles Rams, but with other teams stumbling out of the gate to start the year, the Cardinals could take some time to settle into their lineup.
What To Expect From This Matchup
Arizona and Las Vegas will both be desperate for a victory. The Cardinals’ defense was embarrassed in Week 1, allowing Kansas City to march up-an-down the field with a passing game.
Arizona will need to buckle down in NFL Week 2 to prevent Las Vegas’ passing game from wreaking a similar form of havoc.
The Raiders are hoping to be more balance on offense in Week 2. Las Vegas found success in the running game when it wasn’t so far behind.
The Raiders fell behind early and were forced to pass a lot to rally back into the game.
Raiders vs. Cardinals Prediction and Best Bets
Both teams in this matchup have solid quarterback play. Each side also has shown a vulnerability on defense to give up the big pass play.
If neither defense can adjust from last week, this game may end up being a high-scoring affair that comes down to whichever team has the ball last. The Raiders should win this game by a touchdown and even their record at 1-1.
NFL Pick: Raiders -6 (-110)
NFL Pick: Over 51.5 (-110)
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