Arizona Cardinals (0-3 Preseason) vs. Buffalo Bills (1-2 Preseason)
The 2024 NFL season begins with an exciting encounter between the Arizona Cardinals who are coming into this matchup without having recorded a single win in the preseason, and the Buffalo Bills, who are the home team at the Highmark stadium. Given how poor their preseason performance was, the Cardinals will have no choice but to bring their A-game against a Bills team that has somewhat assembled a rhythm with their 1-2 record so far. Looking to gain some steam as they head into the primary season, both sides will not toe the line and lose out on this match. Brace yourselves for a thrilling Sunday as we head into more of the NFL daily picks for the game in question!
The Cardinals have had trouble getting on track, as reflected in their preseason, which has been bland. On the ground, Trey Benson, though he had limited attempts, was successful as he averaged 3.8 yards with 10 rush attempts. Trouble is with rushing TDs and big plays out of Benson tells you about the state of Arizona’s offensive line. In the air, Xavier Weaver accumulated a decent 95 receiving yards in 3 games, which speaks volumes about his usefulness as a target, but the team still has not been able to utilize the receiving corps fully.
On the other hand, the offensive output of the Bills has been more balanced and efficient. With 163 yards rushing at an average of 4.9 yards, Frank Gore Jr. managed to get in the end zone once and has more in him as the season unfolds. Zach Davidson, who is used sparingly in brief encounters, made a catch for 50 yards. Davison’s memorable performance was not outstanding, but due to the player’s stability, this is an asset in the Bills’ air attack, which has otherwise been average through training camp.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills Game Info
| When: | Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Highmark Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Clayton Tune QB vs. Mitchell Trubisky QB
Clayton Tune, entering the regular season, knows he has to improve. From the preseason, Tune has a relatively decent passer rating of 85.5, thanks to a 67.3% completion rate and a measly 1 touchdown to interception ratio. Around himself, a few players emerged out at will, tuning, making 35-degree names needed to deflate his already high sack numbers. His performance against the strong Bills defense will be important in the hopes of the Cardinals.
Mitchell Trubisky on his side, although it is not so good as a 62.3 passer rating and no touchdowns, demonstrates a composed picture of how to take care of the ball. This is evidenced by his 61.3% completion rate and average yardage, which are perhaps out of reticence because of short appearances in the preseason. For the above reason, Trubisky’s experience may play an important role in dealing with the Cardinals’ defense.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Buffalo Bills -302, Total Odds: 47.5
The Bills enter as heavy favorites with a -7.5 point spread, reflecting confidence in their ability to control the game against the Cardinals. The total set at 47.5 points suggests expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair, aligning with both teams’ tendency to exceed the total in recent matchups.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
The Cardinals’ recent form is a concern, with only four wins in their last 20 games and a poor record against the spread (ATS) in matchups against the Bills. Their road performance remains a particular area of vulnerability, with a 2-10 record in their last 12 away games. Bettors should be wary of Arizona’s ability to cover the spread, especially with their ongoing struggles in both offensive and defensive plays.
Buffalo Bills Betting Trends
Buffalo’s betting trends show a mixed bag with a 5-10 ATS record in their last 15 games, yet a strong 6-1 straight up (SU) in their last 7 games. The trend towards high-scoring games, particularly against Arizona, where the total has gone over in 6 of the last 7 encounters, suggests the Bills could push the total past the set line, especially with their home-field advantage.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills 9/8/24 Betting Picks
Considering the preseason performances and historical trends, the Bills appear poised to dominate this matchup. Their balanced offense and more reliable defensive play should overwhelm the Cardinals, who have struggled to find rhythm and consistency. The Bills are likely to cover the spread, and the total might just tip over, considering both teams’ tendencies.
For those looking at prop bets or specific player performances, focusing on Frank Gore Jr. as an anytime touchdown scorer could offer value. His preseason form and the Bills’ reliance on the run in scoring situations make him a prime candidate. Engage with top betting sites to explore various betting angles and secure the best odds for this exciting NFL showdown.
