The Arizona Cardinals are focused in developing Kyler Murray further, and a matchup with the undefeated Minnesota Vikings will provide a stern test for the first-year quarterback. Will Murray and the Cards shine? Or will the Vikings extend their win streak? Going into the game the home team is favored by 7-points (opening spread). The Cards are +2000 to win the NFC West, while the Vikings are +2000 to win Super Bowl 54.
Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray looked every bit like the new guy last week, as he struggled in a 33-26 home loss to the Oakland Raiders. Murray went just 3 of 8 for 12 passing yards. The Raiders’ defense was all over him, as he was also sacked twice for a loss of 10 yards. One of those sacks resulted in a safety. Obviously, these are growing pains for the former Oklahoma Sooners star, and he’ll continue to experience more of it this year. Murray, however, should get better moving forward. It didn’t help the Cardinals in the Oakland game that they couldn’t keep themselves from collecting so many penalties. The Cards were flagged 14 times for 108 yards. In the first quarter alonje, they were charged with seven penalties for 59 yards. Rookie receiver KeeSean Johnson started against the Raiders and impressed with three catches for 23 receiving yards. Look for him to build on that performance in Week 3.
The under is 7-3 in Arizona’s last 10 preseason games.
Betting on the Minnesota Vikings (2-0)
For the second-straight game, the Vikings’ offensive line was on top of its game, particularly in terms of pass protection., as the team did not allow a sack in last week’s 25-19 home win over the Seattle Seahawks. No Vikings quarterback was also taken down in Week 1’s 34-25 road win over the New Orleans Saints. As a result, the Vikings, passing attack hummed with Kyle Sloter passing yards and a touchdown on 11-for-13 completions. Sean Mannion had an interception but he was smooth otherwise in completing 11 of 14 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Collectively speaking, Minnesota quarterbacks have the second-best rating in the preseason with a 120.3 clip. The team is also second overall in scoring offense with 29.5 points per game. Even better is the Vikings’ rushing attack, which is tops in the preseason with 173.5 yards per contest.
The Vikings are 3-0 against the spread (ATS) in their last three preseason games.
