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Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Saints vs. Cardinals)

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A pair of 2-4 teams likely have their season on the line Thursday night in Phoenix, as the Saints visit the Cardinals for a pivotal NFC matchup. Both coming in off of a loss, it’s now or never for both franchises to get back on track.

Let’s take a closer look at how things might shake out in this one.

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NFL Week 7 Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Saints vs. Cardinals)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Details

  • Opening Line: Cardinals -2.5 | O/U 46
  • Current Line: Cardinals -2.5 | O/U 43.5
  • Last meeting: October 27, 2019 – Cardinals 9, Saints 31

Overview

In their 19-9 loss to Seattle on Sunday, the Cardinals suffered significant injuries to two of their offensive starters. The season will be over for left lineman Justin Pugh due to an ACL tear, while wide receiver Marquise Brown will be sidelined for at least a few weeks due to a foot ailment.

DeAndre Hopkins’ return from the banned list on Monday gave the Cardinals a boost, and the team strengthened the position further by acquiring Robbie Anderson in exchange for two draft picks from the Carolina Panthers.

Although the short week offers fewer opportunities for practice, Kingsbury expressed optimism that Anderson will be able to play against the Saints as Hopkins is anticipated to make his season debut as well.

In addition to Pugh and Brown, backup running back Darrel Williams (knee), three Arizona starters - center Rodney Hudson (knee), running back James Conner (ribs), and kicker Matt Prater (hip) - were absent from practice on Tuesday and their status is up in the air for Thursday.

The wide receivers for the Saints are likewise in turmoil on the injury front. Last week’s game was missed by their top three receivers, Michael Thomas (toe), Jarvis Landry (foot), and rookie Chris Olave (concussion).

Olave confirmed after practice on Wednesday that he will play against the Cardinals, while Thomas and Landry missing practice on Tuesday put their status in question. offensive tackle Calvin Throckmorton (hip) and defensive end Payton Turner (chest) were limited, as well as cornerback Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) also missed practice.

As of Wednesday, the Saints’ quarterback situation is also uncertain. Jameis Winston, the starter who hasn’t played since September 25, took part in only a little portion of practice on Tuesday as he recovers from back and ankle issues.

Bottom Line

Despite playing without a turnover for the first time this season last week, New Orleans is still -7 in turnovers this season and has just one interception on the season. Simply put, this defense just isn’t as good as many thought to start the season.

While the Cardinals aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard, I do believe they have enough to get this one done at home in a must-win situation.

Pick: Cardinals -2.5

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