The Detroit Lions (-2.5) will get the 2019 season underway against the Arizona Cardinals (+2.5) at University of Phoenix Stadium. FOX will televise the action and the game’s scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.
Betting Preview: Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
Arizona enters this NFC matchup as the underdog and is currently getting 2.5 points. The Lions are also receiving -140 moneyline odds while the Cardinals are +120. Vegas has placed the over/under (O/U) at 47.5 points, and if one team can catch a lucky break early, it’ll likely result in a worthwhile in-game betting opportunity.
Sharp bettors have been siding with the under. The game’s over/under initially opened at 48.5.
The Lions went 6-10 straight-up (SU) last season while the Cards only managed a 3-13 SU record in 2018. When playing against conference competition, the Lions went 4-8 SU and the Cardinals were 3-9 SU versus National Football Conference teams. The Lions went 2-2 SU against out-of-conference teams while the Cardinals were 0-4 SU against such teams.
When facing off against in-conference opponents, the Lions scored an average of 19.7 points and allowed an average of 22.3 points. Their offense produced 238.1 pass yards per game and 92.4 rush yards per game.
The Cardinals offensive unit posted 14.2 points per game (against NFC teams) by averaging 186.8 pass yards and 80.3 rush yards. The Cardinals defense yielded 34.8 PPG to non-conference foes and 23.8 PPG to teams in conference.
It seems like the Lions ought to hold an advantage when it comes to quarterback protection, as their offensive line allowed only 41 sacks last season while the D-line logged 43 sacks. The Cardinals offensive line gave up 52 sacks last year and their defense sacked opposing QBs just 49 times.
These two teams met a year ago with the final result being a 17-3 win for Detroit.
Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals NFL Prediction
SU Winner: Lions, ATS Winner: Cardinals, O/U: Under
Betting Notes
- Detroit created 11 rushing touchdowns last season.
- Arizona put up nine rushing touchdowns last season.
- The Lions put up 4.1 yards per carry last season while allowing a YPC of 4.4 to opponents.
- The Cardinals registered 3.8 yards per carry last season and gave up a YPC of 4.9 to opponents.
- The Detroit O-line allowed 41 sacks last season. Their defense created 43 sacks.
- Cardinals quarterbacks were sacked 52 times last year. Their defense got to opposing signal-callers on 49 occasions
- Detroit threw for 22 passing touchdowns last season.
- Arizona produced 15 passing touchdowns last season.
