NFL Picks: Week 5 Bengals vs Cardinals

Share News

The NFL spotlight will focus on State Farm Stadium this Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals, two teams desperate to recalibrate their seasons after stumbling to a 1-3 start, are ready for an electrifying face-off. While past statistics and recent forms paint a picture, on-field clashes like this often have their own narrative. Let’s decode the factors at play for this intriguing matchup.

BUSR NFL Lines

Spread: Bengals -3 (-110), Cardinals +3 (-110) 

Moneyline: Bengals -166, Cardinals +135 

Total: O 44.5 (-110), U 44.5 (-110) 

Cincinnati Bengals 

The Bengals, hungry for redemption, hope to change their fortunes on the road where they’ve won 5 of their last 8. Quarterback Joe Burrow, despite completing 57.6 percent of his passes, has only managed 728 yards, with 2 touchdowns against 2 interceptions. Receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have combined for a respectable 413 receiving yards, scoring twice. On the ground, the Bengals have averaged a modest 70 yards, with Joe Mixon contributing 247 of those yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Cincinnati concedes 23.5 points and 364.3 yards on average per game. Notably, the Bengals shone against NFC opponents, clinching wins in their last five matchups. However, they’ve struggled against the spread, covering only once in their last eight outings. Remember, last season, the Bengals were the AFC North’s top scorers, averaging 26.1 points, with an impressive average point differential of +6.0.

Arizona Cardinals

Back home, the Cardinals aim to reverse the trend of losing 5 of their last 6 at State Farm Stadium. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs has been impressive, completing a remarkable 70.7 percent of his throws, totaling 814 yards and 4 touchdowns without conceding an interception. The duo of Marquise Brown and Michael Wilson have notched 476 receiving yards and found the end zone four times. James Conner has been the standout in the running department, accumulating 318 yards and scoring twice. The Cardinals’ defense has been a concern, leaking 25.5 points and 374.5 yards on average per game. Their past season record pointed towards these defensive vulnerabilities; they were 31st in the NFL in points conceded per game, with a turnover differential ranking at T26th.

Prediction

Despite their talent pool, the Bengals haven’t showcased their potential, ranking last in total offense and second to last in scoring offense. Injuries, like Tee Higgins’ broken rib, add to their woes. Meanwhile, the Cardinals, while needing defensive tightening, have exhibited offensive flair with Dobbs and Conner. Given the Bengals’ recent form, it’s hard to favor them, especially as road contenders. The smart move seems to be favoring the Cardinals, particularly with the comfort of a free-field goal at home. Bet on the BUSR NFL Odds +3 spread and you should be good to go.