NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Cardinals look to build on Week 1 win against Panthers
Arizona Cardinals (1‑0) look to follow up their season opener with another win when they host the Carolina Panthers (0‑1) Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona comes off a solid 20‑13 win over the New Orleans Saints, while Carolina suffered a 26‑10 loss in Jacksonville and will need to fix a number of issues to keep pace.
Balance Risk with AI Precision
3,000 Picks/Month. Yours for $9
Want sharp NFL picks & analysis this week? Check the latest leaderboard →
Cardinals Can Win If…
- They get strong protection for Kyler Murray. Carolina managed almost no sacks or pressures in Week 1, which could allow Murray to exploit matchups, especially with weapons like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride.
- They lean on the run game. James Conner remains a threat, especially against a Panthers defense that has historically struggled to stop the run. Arizona needs to balance their offense to avoid becoming one‑dimensional.
- They avoid letting Bryce Young make big plays. Young showed mobility and some flashes but also threw interceptions. If Arizona’s defense brings heat and limits Young’s freedom, they’ll force Carolina into mistakes.
Panthers Can Win If…
- They step up on offense earlier. Carolina’s offense must be sharper from the opening snap—better tempo, cleaner execution, and fewer mistakes—to stay competitive in the game.
- They force Arizona into uncomfortable situations. Whether via turnovers, field position, or penalties, Carolina can swing momentum and stay in range if they disrupt Arizona’s rhythm.
- Young uses his legs and plays under pressure. If Carolina can’t get consistently positive results through the air, Young’s mobility could be the difference, especially on third downs or when Arizona brings a pass rush.
Key Injury / Betting Trends & Stats
| Category | Cardinals | Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Key Performances | Kyler Murray threw two TD passes vs. Saints; Harrison Jr. and McBride combined for good yardage. | Bryce Young thrown for a TD and been inconsistent; Carolina’s offense and defensive backfield showed holes. |
| Defensive Weaknesses | — | Panthers had very few pressures/sacks, struggled to stop the run. |
| Spread / Odds | Cardinals opened around −6.5 points. | Panthers are underdogs; line suggests modest gap, but there may be value in the plus side. |
The Lean
Pick: Arizona Cardinals Moneyline
Projected Final Score: Cardinals 27, Panthers 17
Reasoning: Arizona enters with momentum, a more stable offense, and Carolina has vulnerabilities on defense, especially versus the run and against pressure. The Cardinals should be able to generate enough offense and prevent Panthers from big plays. Expect Arizona to cover the spread, and likely keep this a one‑score cushion into the fourth.
For those leaning alternate bets: the UNDER may have value depending on how Carolina responds—if their offense remains inconsistent, this could be lower scoring than some expect.
Early season storylines developing fast—don’t miss your edge. Explore more expert picks here →
