The New England Patriots (6-6) head to State Farm Stadium for this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals (4-8). Monday Night Football competition. Cardinals are favored by pet dogs, Patriots 1.5, and the game total is set at 42.5.
After making the 2021 playoffs and finishing with a record 11-6, the Cardinals were disappointed, losing twice as many games as they won in 2022. Despite the team finally recovering to full health, they find themselves powerless here at home. Kyler Murray will have both DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown for this game. In his six games, Hopkins averages 10.7 goals and 100 return yards per game. If Patriots head coach Bill Belichick elects to dismiss him, Brown averages 76 yards and 10.3 goals per game in the seven games he plays. The team is missing out on tight end Zach Ertz, but a healthy James Conner should help stabilize the attack on the field. The Cardinals offense is averaging 22 points and 334 yards per game this year. Against New England’s first seven defences, which only allowed 18.8 points per game, they’ll be in for a treat. The Patriots only allowed opposing QBs 200 passing yards per game, while limiting runners to 111 yards per game.
Here the line stops at SI Sportsbook.
- money line: Patriots (-100) | Cardinals (+100)
- Spread: Patriots -1.5 (-110) | Cardinals +1.5 (-118)
- Total: 42.5 Over (-110) | below (-110)
This 2022 Patriots team excels behind this strong defense as they average only 20.8 points (20th) with 319 yards (24th) offensive play per game. This competition will feature QB Mac Jones, who directed the game without top receiver Jakobi Meyers. Davante Parker and Nelson Agholor will replace Meyers against the Arizona defense, which provides 245 passing yards and 26.8 points (30th) per game. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson will absorb more goals while leading a ground game against a solid Arizona run defense that allows 110 ground yards per game.
The Arizona Cardinals are 6-6 ATS.
The Patriots are 6-5-1 ATS.
Cardinals games have been played more than five times.
Patriots games have been over six times.
Cardinals 1-2-1 as the home team.
The Patriots are 0-2 as road favourites.
In a match that is expected to be close, I will get home team plus points. Yes, the Cardinals’ passing defense is questionable, but I’m not convinced Mac Jones is the man to take advantage of the shortfall.
Pick: Cardinals +1.5