NFL Picks: Broncos and Cardinals: A Pivotal Preseason Prelude

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The Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals are set to collide on the gridiron as both squads hope to usher in the preseason on a winning note. Denver’s 2022 campaign, punctuated by a 5-12 record, called for change at the helm. This led to the recruitment of NFL Super Bowl victor Sean Payton as the mastermind to lead their revival. Conversely, the Cardinals, with a 4-13 stint last season, brought in the tactical Jonathan Gannon as their head coach, eyeing a swift rebound. As the preseason progresses, the looming question for both teams is: Who will secure the coveted starting roles?

BUSR NFL LINES

Spread: Broncos -5.5 (-110), Cardinals +5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Broncos -222, Cardinals +177
Total: Broncos O 37 (-110), Cardinals U 37 (-110)

Broncos’ Revival Under Payton’s Stewardship

Playoff dreams for the Broncos have remained elusive since their 2015 foray. Their recent performance, which ranks among the NFL’s lowest, only exacerbated the fans’ agony. However, with Sean Payton at the helm, optimism is rife. His main mission? Revitalize a flagging Russell Wilson. Last year, Wilson’s numbers took a dip with only 3524 passing yards and a TD-INT ratio of 16-11. As the preseason unfurls, Wilson will be sparingly used, paving the way for Jarrett Stidham and Ben Dinucci to showcase their mettle. Their spotlight is intensified as the interior offensive line – with players like Ben Powers, Quinn Meinerz, and Luke Wattenberg – is under intense scrutiny. There are two important tasks: safeguard Wilson and augment his downfield options.

Defensively, the Broncos had their moments, as evidenced by conceding a mere 21.1 points per game. The onus is now on Vance Joseph, the new defensive coordinator, to enhance this unit. Immediate concerns revolve around bolstering the pass rush and filling the cornerback vacancies, with Patrick Surtain being the only certainty. The preseason clash becomes a proving ground for the likes of Zach Allen, Jonathan Harris, Matt Henningsen, Damarri Mathis, and the new entrant, Riley Moss.

Cardinals’ Quest: Life Beyond Murray

Arizona’s previous season was less than stellar. And now, with Kyler Murray nursing an ACL injury, uncertainties cloud their prospects. Enter Jonathan Gannon, the new leader, who has designated Colt McCoy as the interim quarterback. This preseason match holds significance for Clayton Tune, the fresh recruit from Houston, complemented by seasoned players like Jeff Driskel and David Blough. With DeAndre Hopkins’ departure, the receiver role is wide open, turning the spotlight onto Zach Paschal and novices Michael Wilson and Daniel Arias.

Defensively, Gannon’s expertise will be crucial. While Budda Baker stands firm in the secondary, a conundrum persists regarding his counterparts. The preseason presents an audition platform for Antonio Hamilton, Marco Wilson, and the yet-to-settle Isaiah Simmons, a top pick from 2020.

For the Broncos and the Cardinals, the preseason isn’t merely a series of practice games; it’s a tactical battleground. As both teams grapple with challenges, the upcoming clashes will offer a sneak peek into their evolving strategies and potential starters for the main season. With dedicated players, expert coaches, and stakes higher than ever, this preseason promises to be a thrilling precursor to the regular season.

An aspect often overlooked is the NFL Odds during the preseason. For both the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals, their recent season records directly influence the odds set by bookmakers. Denver’s struggles in the past season and the Cardinals’ shaky start without Murray are bound to affect their standings in the betting realm. Factors like Payton’s strategic prowess, Gannon’s fresh perspective, or even the performance of a backup player can turn the tables. For fans and bettors alike, the preseason not only hints at the main season’s prospects but also offers an early chance to gauge the league’s betting landscape.