The Denver Broncos head to the desert on Sunday as 4.5-point road favorites against the Arizona Cardinals. Denver sits at 4-2 despite one of the league’s least productive offenses. Arizona is 2-4 but arrives with momentum after a last-second upset of the Rams. Our read of this Broncos vs. Cardinals spread leans on the gap between Denver’s defense and its stalled offense. Below is the full breakdown, with picks on the side, the total and one bonus angle.
Last Updated: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals — Time & How to Watch
| Where | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ |
| When | Sunday, October 25 – 4:05 PM ET |
| TV | CBS |
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview
Denver keeps winning without much help from its offense. The Broncos beat Seattle 17-14 in overtime on Thursday night in Week 6, sealed by a Seattle interception and a 53-yard Wil Lutz field goal. Bo Nix completed 17 of 27 passes for just 107 yards in that win. The Broncos finished with only 168 total yards. The Thursday game gave Denver 10 days to prepare.
The defense is carrying the load. Denver has forced 10 turnovers and allows 5.0 yards per play. Meanwhile, its offense ranks near the bottom of the league in success rate and yards per play. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman was designated to return from injured reserve and is questionable with an ankle injury. Cornerback Pat Surtain II is also questionable after returning to practice from an ankle issue that cost him two games. Running back Tyler Badie, safety Talanoa Hufanga and outside linebacker Jonah Elliss are all out.
Arizona snapped a long skid with an 18-16 upset of the Rams on Chad Ryland’s sixth field goal as time expired. It was the Cardinals’ first win since Week 1. Jacoby Brissett starts at quarterback after throwing for 218 yards in that game. Rookie Carson Beck, the team’s third quarterback, is questionable with back spasms. The Cardinals’ final injury report rules out rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, safety Andrew Wingard and offensive lineman Jon Gaines II. Safety Budda Baker is questionable with groin and illness issues.
Under coach Mike LaFleur, Arizona’s offense has been efficient but rarely explosive. Its defense, however, ranks among the league’s weakest by EPA per play. That defensive gap is the main reason Denver is laying points on the road.
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | -4.5 (-115) | -230 | O 43 (-110) |
| Cardinals | +4.5 (-105) | +190 | U 43 (-110) |
Odds accurate as of Sunday, October 25, 2026 via TheSpread.com. Odds change, get the latest NFL Odds – Futures – Props
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals — Who Is the Public Betting?
| Broncos | 60% | 40% | Cardinals |
See the latest NFL Public Betting Splits and make smarter wagers!
Broncos vs. Cardinals Prediction — Can Denver’s Offense Cover a Road Number?
This line opened at Denver -4 and has moved to -4.5, with extra juice now on the favorite. The moneyline has followed, stretching from -210 to -230. Sixty percent of spread bets are on Denver, and the moneyline split is far more lopsided. The market is paying a premium for a team that struggles to move the ball.
The case for the underdog starts with Denver’s offense. Nix has looked out of rhythm for weeks, and the Broncos produced just 168 yards against Seattle. A team that wins 17-14 does not usually pull away by a touchdown on the road. In addition, Arizona just proved it can grind out a close game. The Cardinals beat the Rams without scoring a touchdown, leaning on Ryland’s leg. In a game totaled at 43, getting 4.5 points carries real value.
The case against Arizona is just as clear. Denver’s defense creates turnovers, and Arizona’s defense has given up yards in bunches. Love’s absence also thins the Cardinals’ backfield. If Coleman gives the Broncos a functional ground game, Nix could find easier throws against a soft secondary. Still, Denver has not shown it can turn defensive control into margin. We will take the points and the cheaper price.
The Pick: Cardinals +4.5 (-105)
Broncos vs. Cardinals Prediction — Can Either Offense Find the End Zone?
The total opened at 43 and has not moved. Denver’s games have trended low all season, and its offense rarely produces explosive plays. Arizona’s offense is efficient but also lacks big-play punch. The Cardinals’ last game featured six field goals and zero touchdowns. Long drives drain the clock and limit possessions.
The risk is Arizona’s defense. It ranks among the league’s worst, and it could be the unit that wakes Nix up. Denver’s defense also forces turnovers, which can hand an opponent short fields. A defensive score or two could push this past the number. However, two offenses that rely on field goals make a slow game the likelier script.
The Pick: Under 43 (-110)
Final Thoughts and Bonus Angle
If you like Arizona with the points, the moneyline deserves a look. At +190, the price implies roughly a 34 percent chance of an outright upset. Denver’s last win came by three points in overtime, and Arizona just won outright as a big underdog. Kickers decided both teams’ last games. This is a higher-risk play, so size it smaller than the spread bet.
For context on Arizona’s upset, revisit our October 18 Cardinals at Rams prediction.
Bonus Pick: Cardinals Moneyline (+190)
Our picks for Broncos vs. Cardinals:
- Cardinals +4.5 (-105)
- Under 43 (-110)
- Cardinals Moneyline (+190)
NFL Broncos vs. Cardinals FAQ: Sunday October 25, 2026
What time does the Broncos vs. Cardinals game start?
The Broncos vs. Cardinals game kicks off at 4:05 PM ET on Sunday, October 25, 2026. That is 2:05 PM Mountain Time in Denver and 1:05 PM local time in Arizona. The game is played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as part of the Week 7 Sunday afternoon slate.
What channel is the Broncos vs. Cardinals game on?
The Broncos vs. Cardinals game airs on CBS. Kevin Harlan will call the play-by-play, with Trent Green as the analyst and Melanie Collins reporting from the sideline. Fans should check local listings for availability.
How can I stream the Broncos vs. Cardinals game?
Fans can stream the Broncos vs. Cardinals game on Paramount+, which carries the CBS broadcast. NFL+ also offers the game on phones and tablets for viewers in the local markets. Out-of-market fans can watch through NFL Sunday Ticket, and viewers outside the U.S. can use NFL Game Pass International.
Who is starting at quarterback for the Broncos and Cardinals?
Bo Nix starts at quarterback for the Broncos, and Jacoby Brissett starts for the Cardinals. Brissett led Arizona to an 18-16 win over the Rams last week. Nix is coming off a 107-yard passing day in Denver’s 17-14 overtime win over Seattle. Arizona rookie Carson Beck is questionable with back spasms.
Who won the last meeting between the Broncos and Cardinals?
The Broncos won the last meeting between the teams, beating the Cardinals 24-15 on December 18, 2022, in Denver. Denver rallied in the second half of that Week 15 game. Sunday’s game is the first regular-season meeting between the franchises since then.