Both of these teams will look to get back above the .500 mark early in the 2024-25 NFL Season here in Week 3 as the Detroit Lions (1-1) look to rebound on the road in Glendale after a tough home loss to Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals (1-1) are hoping to win their second straight game after blowing out the Rams at home in Week 2. Kickoff is set for 4:25 PM EST on September 22nd at State Farm Stadium.
This appears to be one of the most entertaining matchups on the entire schedule this weekend, as oddsmakers expect this to be a fast-paced, competitive game and currently have it listed as the highest total on the board in Week 3. However, Detroit needs to find a way to put up more points offensively against a below average defense after being held to just a single touchdown by the Bucs.
Arizona should have a ton of confidence heading into Sunday afternoon after exploding for 41 points against NFC West rival Los Angeles in Week 2. Kyler Murray is clearly back to 100% health after fighting injuries for the past couple seasons, while Marvin Harrison Jr. will look to build on the best game of his young career last weekend.
Matchup Details, Betting Market Information and Where to Watch
Oddsmakers opened this game up with the Lions listed as 3-point road favorites. The spread has narrowed by half a point after early betting, as Detroit is currently available at -2.5 on most sportsbooks. The total for this matchup is 51.5 points. Viewers hoping to watch the game should note that it will be televised on FOX. In Canada, the game will also be available on DAZN.
Detroit Lions Drop Tough Decision To Tampa Bay At Home
After narrowly escaping Week 1 with a 26-20 overtime victory, the Lions found themselves on the wrong side of a 20-16 final score against Tampa Bay last weekend. Detroit fell behind 13-6 in the first half and couldn’t quite manage to catch up down the stretch despite outscoring the Bucs 10-7 over the final 30 minutes of the game.
QB Jared Goff hasn’t been at his best to start the year, throwing multiple interceptions and failing to find the end zone through the air last weekend against a beatable Buccaneers secondary. Star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown had a nice bounceback performance after a dud against the Rams, racking up a game high 11 catches for 119 receiving yards.
The Lions defense was fantastic against the run in Week 2, holding Tampa Bay to just 70 total rushing yards the entire game. However, they couldn’t find a way to contain veteran receiver Chris Godwin, allowing him to find the end zone on one of his team-high seven catches for 117 yards.
Arizona Cardinals Embarrass Depleted Rams
The Cardinals put on a show at home last weekend, treating fans to a very impressive 41 point outburst against the Rams. QB Kyler Murray was fantastic, completing 17 out of 21 total passing attempts for 266 yards and three touchdowns through the air. RB James Conner also made a big contribution, rumbling for a game-high 121 rushing yards on 21 total carries. Finally, Marvin Harrision Jr. was undoubtedly the star of the game on offense after scoring his first career NFL touchdown in the first quarter before adding a second one under ten minutes later.
On the other side of the ball, Arizona looked much improved after giving up 34 points to the Bills in Week 1. The Cardinals completely shut down Los Angeles on the ground, as no Rams running back managed to record more than 28 rushing yards the entire game.
Our Lions vs Cardinals NFL Betting Prediction and Pick
There is certainly a lot to look forward to in this matchup, especially since it looks likely to be the highest scoring game of Week 3. Jared Goff should find a way to improve his below average numbers to start the year, as the strong play from the Arizona secondary in Week 2 was definitely aided by the early exit of Cooper Kupp and might be a little bit of a mirage.
Kyler Murray has a great opportunity to make a statement at home this weekend after almost leading his team to an impressive 2-0 start to the season. Look for Harrison Jr. and TE Trey McBride to both have big outings against a Detroit secondary that has been exposed through the air several times already since opening up the year at home in Week 1.
Against the Spread Betting Market Tip: Lions -2.5
There doesn’t really look to be a ton of value against the spread with either side in this particular spot, as the line looks pretty efficient overall. However, I do believe that a case can be made for taking the slight road favorites at any price lower than -3, as Detroit simply has more experience playing in tight, competitive games after their impressive playoff performance in 2023-24.
While Marvin Harrison Jr. seems to have found his footing at the NFL level after a slow start in Week 1 against the Bills, it is still worth noting that rookies are notorious for streaky performances and inconsistent play as they navigate their first full pro season. The Cardinals don’t have a ton of depth behind Harrison Jr. and James Conner either, whereas Detroit has the best dual threat backfield in the entire NFL combined with the elite receiving talents of St. Brown, Williams, and LaPorta.
Ultimately, I’ll trust the team with the larger recent sample size of solid play and roll the dice with Detroit to cover on the road in what should be a highly entertaining game. Lay the 2.5 points and take the Lions!
