The Saints and Cardinals are set to face off on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. If we asked ahead of the season who we thought would win this game, I'd expect almost 100% of those polled would be banking on the Cardinals. The fact that these teams both enter Week 7 with a 2-4 record? Forget about it. There is a lot to unpack with this game here.
It's game day, and we still don't know who will be starting at quarterback for the Saints. It could be Jameis Winston, coming off a three-game absence with a back injury. Maybe it's Andy Dalton. Or maybe it's hybrid QB/TE Taysom Hill grabbing the occasional snap. Nobody knows.
Either way, the team ranks top-12 in points scored, top-five in offensive yards and is tied for the sixth-highest yards per play average (5.9). Their star rookie wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is returning in Week 7 too — yet another tool in the arsenal.
On the Cardinals' side of the ball, Kyler Murray has not been living up to the monster contract extension he received this offseason. Then again, he's had a lot on his plate with the new Call of Duty release approaching (Track his performance on the field during CoD special events here with SB Nation).
The team's star receiver Marquise Brown (foot) is out indefinitely with a foot injury. Their lead back James Conner (ribs) is a game-time decision. They really need DeAndre Hopkins to step up in his first game returning from a six-game suspension. The only catch? He hasn't played a snap since last December when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Hopefully, there's not too much rust to shake off.
The Cardinals are favored to win this matchup on FanDuel Sportsbook — but only slightly.
Should this really be the case though? Let's take a closer look at the moneyline odds — AKA each team's odds to win.
Saints: +124 (Bet $10 to win $12.40)
Cardinals: -146 (Bet $14.60 to win $10)
Power rankings rule says Saints > Cardinals
The Cardinals just lost to the Seahawks in Week 6... who the Saints just defeated in Week 5... so by power rankings rule, Saints > Cardinals. Right?
If you agree, there might be some value in backing the Saints in this dreadful Thursday Night Football matchup.
