The Denver Broncos open their preseason slate on the road Friday against the Arizona Cardinals. Kickoff from State Farm Stadium is at 10 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Broncos vs. Cardinals odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
Both the Broncos and Cardinals debut new coaching staffs after a bad 2022 season.
The Broncos will again go with QB Russell Wilson under center after a disastrous first season with the club but now have Sean Payton taking over as head coach and new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph joining from the Cardinals after spending 4 years in Arizona. Denver could be missing starting OL Mike McGlinchey and S Justin Simmons, both of whom were injured this week.
The Cardinals also hired a new head coach in Jonathan Gannon, who joins from the Philadelphia Eagles. His coordinators, Drew Petzing and Nick Rallis, are first-time coordinators. QB Kyler Murray (knee) and TE Zach Ertz (knee) are on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list and haven’t resumed practicing after suffering knee injuries last season.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Broncos at Cardinals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET,
- Moneyline (ML): Broncos -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Cardinals +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
- Against the spread (ATS): Broncos -5.5 (-110) | Cardinals +5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 37 (O: -110 | U: -110)
WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
The Huddle has been turning players like you into winners for over 25 years. This season, it’s your turn. Custom fantasy football rankings, sleepers and tools are just a click away. Save 25% off the Internet’s best-kept secret. Subscribe now!
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Broncos at Cardinals picks and predictions
Prediction
Cardinals 24, Broncos 20
Moneyline
There is really only one way to bet on the preseason, and it is betting the underdog on the moneyline.
Why?
Preseason games aren’t good for trends and you don’t know who will play. The games usually end up being decided by players who don’t usually make NFL final rosters.
Gannon did tell reporters this week that one of his goals for the game is to win.
BET CARDINALS (+180).
Against the spread
There isn’t a good way to handicap the spread here. Which team’s starters play longer? Which team’s back-of-the-roster players make more plays?
That is too unreliable for a spread bet.
PASS.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
Neither of the 2 preseason games on Thursday had totals higher than 37.
Last year in the first week of the preseason, 12 of 16 games finished with totals of at least 37.
BET OVER 37 (-110).
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]