After finishing third in the NFC West with a record of 8-8 in 2020, Arizona is poised for a breakout in 2021. Although their previous record might not show it, the Arizona Cardinals was one the hardest offenses to stop. This was mainly due to some key transactions that put them in the best place to win games. Unfortunately through their last ten games of 2020, the Cardinals went 4-6 and finished the season with two straight losses. Those losses put a damper on the season for Arizona who was still in the playoff race. Their last loss to the Rams is what put the nail in the coffin and eliminated them from the possibility.
To be fair to the Cardinals, 2020 was only their second season under Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury. Their 8-8 record was an improvement on the previous season’s 5-10-1 record. This means we have plenty to look forward to from the Cardinals in 2021. The Cardinals look to not only become a force in the NFC West but the entire conference. With the talent, they have on offense and another year under Kingsbury, they just might. So, what can we expect from this young football team in 2021?
2021 Arizona Cardinals Futures Betting Odds
Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl Champion Odds: +3000
Arizona Cardinals NFC Champion Odds: +1700
Arizona Cardinals Win Totals Odds: Over 8.5 (+100) / Under 8.5 (-130)
Arizona Cardinals NFC West Champion Odds: +600
The Cardinals aren’t a favorite to win the NFC, let alone their own division. However, we believe that some are underestimating the ability of this young team. It isn’t as if the Cardinals had no notable wins over the 2020 season. They took down the Buffalo Bills, the second-best team in the AFC. They defeated the San Francisco 49ers and this was before the 49ers lost most of their roster to injuries. They also had a big win over the Seattle Seahawks, an NFC West rival, in overtime. There’s a very real chance that the Cardinals could do well this season.
Don’t forget that Arizona has one of the best-receiving groups in the NFC. You could argue with the addition of WR A.J. Green, alongside Deandre Hopkins, is the best in the NFL. Although we haven’t seen all of these players in action yet, the Cardinals will have an incredible offense. We’ll also see more of Kyler Murray this year, who has much more experience under his belt. Last season, Murray nearly threw for over 4,000 yards, while having almost 1,000 yards rushing. Out of all the NFC West, you won’t see a more dynamic quarterback, including Russell Wilson.
2021 Arizona Cardinals Offseason Grade: A-
Key Additions: (WR, A.J. Green), (DE, J.J. Watt), (RB, James Connor), (WR, Rondale Moore)
Key Departures: (WR, Larry Fitzgerald), (K, Brett Maher)
Considering what the Arizona Cardinals gained, versus what they lost, they deserve an A-. This team added two great offensive players, along with drafting another. They also made sure to add a defensive talent in J.J. Watt, a former defensive player of the year. For those of you unfamiliar with wide receiver Rondale Moore, Moore is a do-it-all player from Purdue. He’s a kick/punt return threat, and will easily see time on special teams. He’s also a great route-runner with tremendous speed.
The way the offseason shaped up for the Cardinals couldn’t have been any better. They added two receivers to the already lethal roster. This gives Kyler Murray so many options that opposing defenses will have to decide how they want to be beaten. This is why we’re confused as to why their odds are so high. It’s as if sportsbooks believe anyone else in the division has a more dangerous offense than the Cardinals. However, their mistake is going to be your gain this season.
Arizona Cardinals 2021 Preview
The Cardinals have two tough games to start the season. This can be a good thing though because we can see their strength from the beginning. First, they face Tennessee, a team that led the AFC South in 2020. Followed up by the Minnesota Vikings, a team that looks to have everything they need for a deep playoff run. We shouldn’t doubt the Cardinals though, they’re a team with a lot of talent on offense. The only real concern is will the defense hold up their side of the bargain.
Arizona Cardinals Futures Best Bets
The most important bet you can make on the Cardinals this season is for them to go over the 8.5 games win total. Although the schedule is tough, the Cardinals have plenty of games that they should win. If you’re looking to make a more risky bet, take the Cardinals to win the NFC West. The odds alone are worth the bet.
Read our Buccaneers team preview 2021 and Chiefs team preview 2021.
