A matchup between the Detroit Lions (1-1) and Arizona Cardinals (1-1) stands out as one of the highlights of the NFL’s second window of games this Sunday, Sept. 22, at 4:25 p.m. ET.
The Lions are fresh off a trip to the NFC Championship and will be looking to put a disappointing loss behind them after falling to the Buccaneers at home this past weekend. Meanwhile, the Cardinals can continue building upon their 41-10 drubbing of the Rams in Week 2.
Can Detroit get back on track with a win? See the latest Lions vs Cardinals odds and check out my predictions and best bets for this NFL Week 3 clash.
Lions vs Cardinals Odds
NFL odds are current as of Thursday, Sept. 19, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Lions (-148) vs Cardinals (+124)
- Spread: Lions -3 (-102) vs Cardinals +3 (-118)
- Over/Under: Over 51.5 (-110) / Under 51.5 (-110)
Lions vs Cardinals Prediction
Cardinals 30, Lions 28
Following a pedestrian showing in his debut, rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. exploded for 130 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions in Week 2, igniting an Arizona offense that didn’t slow down until a Rams comeback was well out of the picture.
The former Ohio State WR could be in for another big performance in Week 3, as Detroit has struggled against the pass to begin the year. Los Angeles notched 304 passing yards in the Lions’ season-opener, and Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield logged 185 on just 12 completions.
At the same time, the Cardinals are not equipped to contain Detroit’s receiving corps. They handled the banged-up Rams well, but between Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta, Arizona may need to pick its poison.
The Lions have a higher ceiling, but they’ve also been somewhat underwhelming thus far, and the Cardinals should be ready to go at home against one of the NFC’s top teams. This will be a tight, high-scoring game that will be won by whichever team makes fewer mistakes.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Lions vs Cardinals Best Bets
Cardinals +3 (-118) vs Lions
It’s early, but based on what we’ve seen from the Cardinals in two games against the Bills and Rams, I see no reason why they can’t at least compete with the Lions — especially at home. Arizona’s offense has been impressive on the ground and through the air, and the defense has looked solid, too.
Detroit may end up winning this one, but I’m on the Cardinals to keep it close. Back Kyler Murray’s side to cover as 3-point underdogs with your NFL bet of the day.
Over 51.5 Points (-110)
These are two offensive-minded teams, and after scoring just 16 points against the Buccaneers last week, I could see the Lions having a much more productive day in Glendale. Establishing the run will be key, but Jared Goff can also lead the charge through the air.
Don’t expect a ton of resistance from either team and take the Over, even at this relatively high 51.5-point total.
