The Buffalo Bills kick off their season at home against a plucky Arizona Cardinals squad.
The pregame narrative: Buffalo’s Super Bowl quest begins Sunday afternoon. The Cardinals have improved from a season ago, but the Bills should still be able to cover a teased down spread. The over on the total and James Cook’s rushing and receiving yards prop round out this ticket.
Check out our Cardinals vs. Bills predictions for Sunday, Sept. 8.
Cardinals vs. Bills SGP predictions
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Parlay: Bills -2.5 + Over 46.5 points + Cook over 78.5 rushing and receiving yards (+290)
Bills -2.5 (-250): I like Buffalo to win this game but I’m looking to trim some points off the standard 6.5-point spread.
The Bills enter this season with a very different offence. Out are Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, in are Curtis Samuel and Keon Coleman who join Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid in this passing attack.
It might take the unit some time to adjust, but it should be able to move the ball against a dreadful Arizona defence. The Cardinals allowed the second-most points per game (26.8) in the NFL last season and didn’t do much to improve the defence in the offseason.
Josh Allen is still under centre and he’s proven to be matchup-proof throughout his career. The Buffalo QB should be able to sling it and outpace a weak Arizona defensive side.
Arizona’s offence, while very exciting, could take some time to gel too as it revolves around rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. who enters his first pro game.
Other parlay picks
Over 46.5 points (-120): Arizona’s defence didn’t make many noteworthy additions but Buffalo’s defence lost some key players this offseason.
Leonard Floyd, Tyrel Dodson, Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde all departed and Buffalo is mainly hoping for others on the roster to step into their roles.
While the defence should improve as the season rolls along, there could be some growing pains in Week 1.
The Cardinals should be able to score a healthy amount of points with Kyler Murray, Harrison, and Trey McBride leading what’ll likely be a solid offensive trio.
The offences are arguably the two best units in this game and should be able to get this over the total.
Cook over 78.5 rushing and receiving yards (-113): This shapes up to be a really nice spot for Cook.
Opponents gashed the Cardinals on the ground as they allowed the most rushing yards per game (143.2) a season ago. Additionally, they tied for ceding the second-most yards per rush (4.7).
That plays perfectly for Cook, one of the NFL’s most efficient runners. The Buffalo running back is averaging 5.0 yards per carry since entering the league.
His abilities as a receiver shouldn’t be understated, either. Cook turned 44 receptions into 445 receiving yards in 2023.
Picks made at 1:20 a.m. on 09/07/24.
Stevie’s an avid NFL, NHL, and tennis bettor who has no problem talking himself into the underdog. His previous stops include Yahoo! Sports Canada and Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received a degree in Sport Media.