NFL Picks: Week 9 Cardinals vs Browns

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Anticipation is in the NFL air as the Arizona Cardinals gear up to face the Cleveland Browns at the iconic Cleveland Browns Stadium this Sunday. Let’s dive into what you need to know.

BUSR NFL Lines

Spread: Cardinals +8 (-110), Browns -8 (-110)

Moneyline: Cardinals +290, Browns -375 

Total: O 37.5 (-105), U 37.5 (-115) 

Arizona Cardinals

Struggling to find their footing, the Arizona Cardinals are eager to end their worrisome 5-game skid. Their on-road performance doesn’t paint a rosier picture, having faced defeats in their last seven away fixtures. Joshua Dobbs, the Cardinals’ quarterback, has thrown for 1,569 yards at a completion rate of 62.8%, amassing 8 touchdowns. However, he’s also been intercepted five times. The duo of Marquise Brown and Michael Wilson is shining in the receiving department, tallying 817 yards and 6 touchdowns between them. Trey McBride has also chipped in with 25 catches. On the ground, the Cardinals are averaging 137.8 yards per game, led by James Conner’s 364 yards and two touchdowns. But the defense is where the Cardinals are feeling the heat, allowing 6.6 points and 355.8 yards every game. Kyzir White, with 69 tackles, is their leading defender, supported by Dennis Gardeck with 4 sacks. 

History hasn’t been kind to the Cardinals. They’ve suffered defeats in 14 of their last 15 games. Additionally, they’ve consistently missed covering the spread in their previous five road encounters against teams with a winning record.

Cleveland Browns 

The Browns are in search of momentum, with their recent games ending in a 50-50 win-loss ratio. Their home record, however, seems promising, having clinched victories in three out of their last four matches. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, with a 61.7% completion rate, has thrown for 683 yards, achieving four touchdowns, but also throwing three interceptions. Receivers Amari Cooper and David Njoku have been instrumental, collectively recording 771 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Elijah Moore also plays a pivotal role, boasting 27 catches this season. In rushing, the Browns are clocking an average of 148.6 yards, led by Jerome Ford’s notable 381 yards and two touchdowns. Their defensive stats look commendable, allowing only 19.9 points and a mere 260 yards per match. Grant Delpit, with 43 tackles, leads the defense, while Myles Garrett has accumulated 8.5 sacks.

After each loss, they’ve successfully clinched wins in their subsequent six matches. Moreover, they’ve covered the spread in these games, making them a bettor’s favorite. In defense, they reign supreme in the NFL, both in terms of total yards and passing yards allowed per game.

Prediction

The Cardinals, plagued by their below-par performance on both offense and defense, seem to be on a slippery slope, NFL Odds really dislike them. The Browns, on the other hand, have shown they can compete, especially following losses. The Browns’ dominant rushing and top-ranked defense make them a formidable force, suggesting they might dominate the struggling Cardinals. Given the current scenario and team stats, leaning toward the Browns to cover the -8 spread seems like the smart choice.