Lions vs. Cardinals, 9/8/19 NFL Week 1 Betting Predictions & Odds

Lions vs. Cardinals Prediction

Can the Detroit Lions go on the road and spoil the NFL Debut for Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury when they face the Arizona Cardinals today at 4:25PM ET?

Game Snapshot

469 Detroit Lions (-2.5) at 470 Arizona Cardinals (+2.5); O/U 46

4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 8, 2019

State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Public Betting Trends

According to our NFL Football Public Betting Chart page, the Lions are receiving 70% of the betting tickets from online sportsbooks.

Detroit Lions Fantasy Spin

The Detroit Lions are determined to become a pro-style offense that uses the run game to open up play-action passing. For that reason, second-year running back Kerryon Johnson will be the focal point for the Detroit offense today and as long as he is healthy. Johnson ended the lengthy streak for the Lions of not having a 100-yard rusher last season, doing it multiple times before getting hurt. Now healthy, Johnson should get plenty of carries today behind a veteran line. With the addition of TJ Hockenson at TE to be an additional run blocker, I like Johnson to be a productive running back today against the Cardinals.

Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Spin

There are a lot of unknowns about the Arizona offense coming into this game, but there certainly is a high ceiling for Kyler Murray. The Cardinals have a questionable offensive line, but that could also open the door for Murray to become more dangerous. Staying in the pocket and picking apart the Lions isn’t how it is going to work for Murray. He needs to use his mobility and athleticism to make some plays in the NFL. Murray has a boom-or-bust feel, but the ceiling looks like it could be very high. If you need big production from a QB, Murray is your play.

NFL Betting Trends

Detroit

The Lions are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight road games and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 season openers.

Arizona

The Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games in September and 1-5 ATS in their last six games on grass.

Prediction

Already with concerns on the offensive line, the Cardinals also will be without one of their top defensive players in Patrick Peterson, who is suspended for the first six games of the year. The Lions will hope to have their offense be their best defense and keep Murray off the field to limit his scoring chances. The Arizona offense could be very explosive, but could also struggle against this Detroit defensive front. The line concerns lead us to believe that the Lions are the play, as Detroit can force Murray into some bad throws and create turnovers while being smart with the ball themselves.

NFL Week 1 Predictions: Detroit Lions -2.5

Related: Lions vs. Cardinals Total Prediction