This Saturday features an exciting preseason matchup as the Arizona Cardinals (0-1; 1-0-0 ATS) take on the Indianapolis Colts (0-1; 0-1-0 ATS) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. EST. Both teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing performances last weekend. The question remains—who will secure their first victory of the preseason?
When it comes to NFL Picks, few do it better!
Cardinals on the Cusp of Victory
In their first preseason game, the Cardinals showed promise, taking a 14-13 lead against the New Orleans Saints in the closing moments. Unfortunately, their defense faltered, allowing the Saints to kick a game-winning field goal just seconds before the final whistle. Nevertheless, there were standout performances, particularly from linebacker Xavier Thomas, who recorded a sack and a tackle for loss, and running back Michael Carter, who rushed for 41 yards and scored a touchdown.
With starting quarterback Kyler Murray sidelined for the preseason, the competition between Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder becomes a focal point. Tune excelled last week, throwing for 163 yards and delivering a late touchdown, while Ridder struggled, racking up only 43 passing yards and 39 rushing yards. Veteran running back James Conner is expected to see some playing time as the clear RB1, but the race for RB2 remains tight between Carter and Trey Benson, whose explosive running style has caught the team’s attention.
All wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Zay Jones, will be active after resting against the Saints. The competition for the WR2 spot continues among Wilson, Jones, and Greg Dortch. The offensive line appears stable, with only the left guard position up for grabs. Evan Brown is likely to start, but Isaiah Adams may also get a chance to showcase his skills. This game provides a crucial opportunity for players to solidify their roles as the season approaches.
The defense faces critical scrutiny after a disappointing 2023 season. Saturday’s game will be an important test against a formidable offense. Arizona’s defense ranked last in rushing yards allowed last season, and new additions like Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones will aim to make a significant impact. The newly appointed cornerbacks, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Max Melton, will challenge the Colts’ speedy receiving corps. The Cardinals’ backups performed well against the Saints, limiting them to 4.3 yards per play, but growth is needed on this side of the ball.
Injury Update – Emari Demercado (questionable)
Colts Grapple with Injury Concerns
The Colts faced a tough loss in their preseason opener, falling 34-30 at home, which likely left defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with much to ponder. The loss was compounded by the early exit of backup running back Trey Sermon due to a hamstring injury—an ailment that often proves tricky to manage.
The Colts have allowed star running back Jonathan Taylor to participate, and he might see action again on Saturday, but his touches will be limited as the coaching staff focuses on keeping him healthy. Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who missed most of the previous season, is expected to get more reps while minimizing contact. His playing time is likely to emphasize passing, which might work in their favor. The competition for the QB3 position remains heated among Jason Bean, Sam Ehlinger, and Kedon Slovis.
In the running back department, Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull will vie for additional carries to determine who secures the RB3 spot. Wide receivers Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will also be looking for increased targets to stake their claim for the WR3 position. The tight end group has a chance to prove themselves as both pass-catchers and blockers. The offensive line is mostly set, with only a rotational tackle spot still up for grabs.
As for Bradley’s defense, it struggled mightily, allowing 34 points to an opposing team that had not scored that high since the 2021 regular season. Given that the Colts ranked among the bottom five in points allowed per game in 2023, last week’s performance was disheartening. However, the defense did manage to secure three takeaways, a positive to build on. Questions remain about the starting positions on the defensive line and free safety depth chart. Jaylon Jones has emerged as a starting cornerback, but the entire unit needs to step up their game this week.
Injury Report – Genard Avery (questionable), Raekwon Davis (out), Josh Downs (questionable), Ashton Dulin (questionable), Samson Ebukam (out), Trey Sermon (questionable)
Take advantage of our sportsbook promo codes!
Wagering Insights for Cardinals vs. Colts
The Colts’ defense has continued to struggle, carrying over their issues from the previous season. With Kyler Murray not playing, Clayton Tune demonstrated his ability to connect with receivers against the Saints, which may give the Cardinals an advantage this week. Denver’s quarterbacks managed an impressive average of 9.6 yards per completion with 70.7% accuracy, exposing vulnerabilities in the Colts’ defensive backfield.
The Colts are likely to adopt a more cautious offensive strategy, which could favor the Cardinals. With Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson being managed carefully, Arizona has the opportunity to hold their own early in the game. The Cardinals’ depth on defense suggests they can contain opposing offenses, particularly in the run game. Consequently, they are positioned to cover the spread in this matchup.
