Breaking down early Cardinals point spreads

The NFL released the 2020 schedule and the Arizona Cardinals look to build on an impressive rookie season for Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury when they open on the road against the 49ers. The Cardinals are +700 to win the NFC West, sitting in last, but creeping up. Arizona’s preseason win total is installed at 7 with -121 odds on the over and +100 odds on the under.

DraftKings Sportsbook posted all the Week 1 point spreads the evening of the schedule release, and they have since added nearly 100 additional games throughout the season. DK does big business in New Jersey and Colorado, so it is no surprise they have all 16 lines for the Giants, Jets, Eagles, and Broncos. However, they have multiple lines for other teams as well. For the Cardinals, we get four additional lines, including big matchups on the road against the Patriots and at home against the Eagles

Point spreads

Week 1: @ 49ers (+8.5)
Week 5: @ Jets (+1)
Week 12: @ Patriots (+5.5)
Week 14: @ Giants (+1.5)
Week 15: vs. Eagles (+1.5)

Most likely cover

We only get one home game out of the five lines that are currently out, and that will be a tough matchup against an Eagles team that could be much improved this season. The Jets and Giants aren’t going to turn things around in a big way this season, but there is plenty of room for improvement while the Patriots did nothing this offseason to show they want to win in 2020. Playing in Foxboro isn’t usually when I shell out cash on the Patriots opponent, but I do expect a nice leap for the Cardinals in Kyler Murray’s second year.

Most likely fail to cover

The 49ers are a team set up well in the uncertainty of coronavirus, as they have their core players from a Super Bowl run ready to give it another go while being coached by an excellent coach in Kyle Shanahan. The Cardinals played the 49ers well last season, but still lost both games and now must start their season against the NFC Champs in San Francisco. The line is a little high for my liking, but the 49ers are also a team I want to wager on early in the season due to their veteran makeup.

Line most likely to change

Right now the line in Week 15 at the Giants gives New York the advantage, but I think this Cardinals team, with Kyler Murray at the helm, can make it tough on teams this season while the Giants have a shot at another down year. In the end, it’s Daniel Jones vs. Kyler Murray in Week 15 and I’m on the Murray band wagon.

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