Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

September 4, 2024

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The Buffalo Bills have won four straight AFC East titles, but their streak could be in jeopardy in 2024. The departure of star receiver Stefon Diggs opens up the possibility for regression from quarterback Josh Allen. Couple that with the fact that the team’s No. 2 receiver Gabe Davis also split town, and there is plenty reason to feel uneasy about this team’s offensive capabilities this season.

At the very least, the Bills return standout tight end Dalton Kincaid as well as late-season breakout receiver Khalil Shakir. The team also added second-round receiver Keon Coleman to the fold as well. If James Cook can continue holding down their backfield, the Bills could still boast one of the most effective offenses in the league.

Their opponent this week will be the Arizona Cardinals, who have a lot to look forward to on offense. Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, James Conner, and Marvin Harrison Jr. should be spectacular but the team’s defense lacks the same high-end potential. While this team could have the offensive firepower to surprise some people, it would take a massive improvement on the other side of the ball for them to compete for a Super Bowl.

PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week 

Cardinals vs. Bills odds, moneyline, over/under

The Bills are favorites to defeat the Cardinals, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

  • Spread: Bills (-6.5)
  • Moneyline: Bills (-300); Cardinals (+240)
  • Over/under: 48

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NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks

Ravens vs. Chiefs | Packers vs. Eagles | Jaguars vs. Dolphins | Steelers vs. Falcons | Vikings vs. Giants | Panthers vs. Saints | Patriots vs. Bengals | Titans vs. Bears | Cardinals vs. Bills | Texans vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Chargers | Broncos vs. Seahawks | Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Cowboys vs. Browns | Rams vs. Lions | Jets vs. 49ers

Lorenzo Reyes: Bills 25, Cardinals 23

I think Buffalo may struggle a bit on offense this season. Josh Allen may feel the pressure of needing to create more, given the loss of Stefon Diggs, and this could prompt carelessness with the ball. That has long been a problem for Buffalo, which should still win this game. Still, I think it’s a closer affair with the Cardinals’ improved roster.

Tyler Dragon: Bills 27, Cardinals 20

Not much is expected of Kyler Murray and the Cardinals this season. Cardinals rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. is a player to watch. Arizona will play teams tough, but they lack talent across the board. The Bills lost plenty of veteran leaders over the offseason, Stefon Diggs. Josh Allen is going to have to elevate Buffalo’s offense the way franchise quarterbacks are expected.

Safid Deen: Bills 26, Cardinals 16

Josh Allen has some new teammates to get used to, but he’s still one of the best offensive players in the sport. He’ll be able to gut out a win against Kyler Murray and Arizona.

Richard Morin: Bills 23, Cardinals 15

A still-getting-to-know-you Bills offense combined with a sleepy Cardinals team playing on the East Coast is a recipe for a slow game. I think the Bills get it done, but it will produce questions of whether they have the offense to be a legitimate AFC contender in 2024.

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