As we approach NFL Week 3, it is the turn of the Detroit Lions (1-1) to face the Arizona Cardinals (1-1) in what looks like an exciting game. Both teams have won one game and lost the other; therefore, this game is very important as it may make or break the course of their seasons. The game on Sunday in the State Farm Stadium is one that football lovers looking for exclusive top insights into running for the playoffs should not miss out on.
Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals 9/22/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 4:25 PM ET |
| Where: | State Farm Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Detroit Lions (1-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)
The Detroit Lions have been relatively balanced offensively early in the season but took a dip last week after losing to Tampa Bay 16-20. Their game plan has relied on the versatility of running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. These all-around efforts include 124 rushing yards, a touchdown, and touches of over 20 yards on several occasions by Gibbs, who is becoming a key player. St. Brown has totaled 132 yards over two games but has not scored a touchdown this season. They will be very important in their assessment for improvement after the recent fall.
In contrast, it has been a good time for the Arizona Cardinals as they recently edged out the Los Angeles Rams 41-10. For one, quarterback Kyler Murray has been on fire with 428 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, a completion rate of 73.1%, and a passer rating of 122.9. Running back James Conner has chipped in 172 yards on the ground, including 2 cameos in the end zone to support Murray’s aerial bombardment. How well Murray connects with Harrison, who’s picked up 134 yards and 2 TDs on five reacquisitions this season, will help determine how well Detroit’s defense holds up.
Jared Goff QB vs. Kyler Murray QB
Jared Goff has indeed begun the season on a comparatively hard note as he’s accumulated a meager 524 passing yards with a single TD and a thrift of interceptions. The quarterback has been beset by a lot of sack difficulties, losing a total of 17 yards to sacks during two games. It will be essential for the Lions to get a road win against the Cardinals if Goff can help penetrate their defense, which has been a stronghold at the College.
In contrast, Kyler Murray is enjoying excellent form. No interceptions with a very high passer rating, and getting elite status this season seems to be in the cards. His athleticism and ability to stretch plays have already played a significant role in the success of head coach Whisenhunt’s Arizona. Murray will have to be given the space and time to exploit the Detroit secondary, and that has to happen with respect to the Cardinal’s offensive line protection.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Detroit Lions -3.5 (-120), Total Odds: 51
The betting odds favor the Detroit Lions by 3.5 points, suggesting that oddsmakers have faith in their ability to cover the spread despite their last outing. The total over/under set at 51 points reflects expectations of a high-scoring affair, likely driven by Arizona’s explosive performance last week and Detroit’s potential for offensive fireworks.
Detroit Lions Betting Trends
Detroit’s ability to beat the spread in 7 of their last 9 games is impressive, particularly their 4-1 ATS record in their last five road games. These trends suggest a resilience and capability to perform under pressure away from home, which they’ll need to tap into against the Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
Arizona, while struggling in their overall recent win-loss record, has a promising trend with their scoring, especially at home. Their tendency to go OVER in totals, doing so in 8 of their last 9 home games, indicates a potent offense that could turn any game into a shootout.
Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals 9/22/24 Betting Picks
With regard to the overall picture and their overall shape, we can say that the Lions are likely to come up trumps against the Cardinals in a nail biting game perhaps. However, one cannot disregard Arizona’s recent winning streak and their home advantage which count for quite a lot. This is what makes the spread for the Cardinals a very interesting bet, want it or not.
It would seem that the total points would be the better bet; looking at how both teams have been scoring and how the teams have been playing offensively, the over seems to be the more attractive and profitable option. Similar prop bets on the individual markets, say on Murray’s touchdowns or Gibbs rushing yards might also be worthwhile. In this NFL free prediction, Detroit seems capable of using its slight advantage in balance over more aggressive, but not always consistent Arizona’s attack.