The Arizona Cardinals are eyeing an opportunity to strengthen their playoff chances as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday afternoon. Currently sitting at a record of 7-7, the Cardinals are just one game behind the NFC West lead and are coming off a solid 30-17 victory against the New England Patriots. In contrast, the Panthers (3-11) are struggling, having lost 30-14 to the Dallas Cowboys in their last outing. The last time these two teams met was in October 2022, where the Cardinals claimed a 26-16 victory on the road.
Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium is slated for 1 p.m. ET, with the Cardinals favored by 5 points in the latest betting odds. The projected total points for the game is set at 47.
Arizona has performed well against the spread this season, with a record of 9-5, while Carolina stands at 6-8. There’s a notable focus on the Cardinals’ offense, particularly tight end Trey McBride, who has amassed impressive statistics this season but is still seeking his first receiving touchdown. With the Panthers’ defense allowing the most touchdowns to tight ends this season, McBride could be key in this matchup.
Running back James Conner is another player to watch, as he has been effective on the ground, especially against a Panthers defense that has given up significant rushing yards. Conner has been a crucial part of the Cardinals’ offensive strategy, and his recent performances indicate he could thrive once again.
On the other hand, the Panthers will rely on Chuba Hubbard in their ground game, who has had a standout season with over 1,000 rushing yards. Quarterback Bryce Young is also showing signs of growth, having thrown touchdown passes in seven consecutive games. If Young can minimize turnovers, the Panthers may have a shot at surprising their opponents.
As both teams gear up for this pivotal matchup, the Cardinals are in a position to take a step closer to the playoffs, while the Panthers look to salvage the season. With the odds relatively close, it sets the stage for an exciting showdown.
Overall, fans can remain optimistic about the Cardinals’ prospects, especially if they can capitalize on the Panthers’ weaknesses. The anticipated strategy will be on execution and making the most of opportunities, which may very well lead to a thrilling game this Sunday.