Highmark Stadium is set for an exciting matchup as the Arizona Cardinals (4-13; 9-7-1 ATS) face off against the Buffalo Bills (11-6; 7-9-1 ATS) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EST. This game marks the beginning of the season for both teams, broadcasted on CBS. The last encounter between these two squads ended with a thrilling 32-30 victory for the Cardinals in Arizona back in 2020. With the game shifting to Buffalo, fans wonder if home-field advantage will play a significant role this time.
Cardinals’ Strategy for Improvement
The Cardinals are kicking off 2024 on the road, mirroring their start last season. This time, however, Kyler Murray returns as the starting quarterback for Week 1, a pivotal change as the team aims for a stronger performance and a shot at the playoffs. Murray, alongside rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride, seeks to elevate their passing game from its previous rank of 26th. James Conner, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2023, will work with an established offensive line to maintain a top-five rushing status. The Cardinals are determined to improve their scoring, having finished 24th last season, starting with a challenging matchup against the Bills.
Defensively, the Cardinals faced difficulties last year, allowing the second-most points in the league. They ranked 25th in turnovers and yardage, and their run defense struggled significantly, giving up the highest rushing yards. In the passing game, they were 27th in yards per attempt and 31st in sacks. With two new starting cornerbacks, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Max Melton, the defense aims to turn the tide and surprise critics early in the season.
Key Injuries – Zay Jones (suspended); Xavier Weaver (questionable); Joey Blount (questionable); Tip Reiman (questionable)
Buffalo’s Quest for Consistency
As the Bills gear up for the 2024 season, fans are left to wonder if this could be the year Buffalo breaks through to the Super Bowl. Despite key offensive players like Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Mitch Morse leaving, quarterback Josh Allen remains a constant force with 4,306 passing yards last year. 2024 will also mark a full season under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who led Buffalo to a 6-1 record with an average of 27 points per game after taking over last season. During that time, the Bills adapted their strategy to emphasize the run game, featuring running back James Cook and utilizing Allen’s rushing ability, which accounted for 15 touchdowns. They scored a combined 55 points in their two playoff games, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
Despite losing key defenders Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer, the Bills’ defense remains largely intact and was among the best in the league last season, finishing third in turnovers, fourth in scoring defense, and fourth in sacks. With Von Miller still recovering from injury, the defense aims to maintain its top-10 ranking in yards allowed. Sunday’s game could set the tone for their season.
Key Injuries – Javon Solomon (questionable)
Optimal Bets for Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills
Playing in Buffalo presents significant challenges for most teams. The Cardinals’ defense, which struggled significantly last season, finishing 31st in points allowed, faces a daunting task. The Bills ranked among the top five rushing teams in the league, and with Joe Brady focused on establishing the run, the Cardinals will need to bolster their defensive line to hold up against a powerful offensive attack.
