Arizona Cardinals vs Tennessee Titans Point Spread Picks

Combine the Cardinals (-405) and the Lions (-535) into a 2-team parlay at -208 odds.

Arizona won its first preseason game, 36-23, over the Bengals before losing to the Ravens, which is understandable given that John Harbaugh makes a point of winning preseason games. Trace McSorley got most of the snaps against Baltimore, completing 18 of 34 for 229 yards with two interceptions, and Jarrett Guarantano was three of six for 37 yards for the Cardinals. Tennessee hasn't shown much offense its first two games, but it managed to get a 13-3 win over Tampa Bay last week after losing 23-10 to the Ravens in Week 1. Rookie Malik Willis was seven of 17 passing for 80 yards and a touchdown and ran five times for 42 yards for the Titans, who scored 10 points off of turnovers against the Buccaneers. Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel is only 5-8 straight up and 5-7-1 ATS in preseason, and the Titans are 1-5 SU and 1-4-1 ATS in their past six home preseason games. Arizona has looked better on both sides of the ball in the joint practices this week, and the Titans appeared to be looking forward to the regular season. Go with the Cardinals as a Max Play.

This is a tough situational spot for Arizona in Week 1, opening on the East Coast. Coach Kliff Kingsbury and QB Kyler Murray are 13-18-1 together, including a losing road record. Arizona lost top pass-catching tight end Dan Arnold to free agency, who was third on the team in yards. They face a well-coached Tennessee team that has few holes. They've been 9-7, 9-7, and 11-5 the last three years with one AFC title game appearance. Workhorse power running back Derrick Henry will attack a Cardinals defense that was #18 against the run, allowing 4.6 yards per carry. QB Ryan Tannehill (33 TDs, 7 INTs) is off a terrific season, and newcomer WR Julio Jones teams with A.J. Brown to give the Titans one of the top wideout duos in the league. Tennesse is 57-33 ATS in non-conference games, so back home field in this one. Play Tennessee.

Tennessee is #18 in the NFL in points allowed with a weak secondary that allows 242.3 yards passing per game, ranked #25. Tennessee is 12-5-1 OVER the total against a team with a losing record, as well as 16-7-1 OVER after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game. They head out on the road to face an Arizona defense that is regressing, allowing 22, 31, 24, and 32 points the last four contests. Arizona is #29 in the NFL in points allowed (25.8 points per game). This is the third straight home game for the Cardinals and QB Blaine Gabbert has great targets to attack the Tennessee secondary. Arizona is 7-3 OVER the total against a team with a winning record. That defense faces a Tennessee squad that is 28-14 OVER after playing two straight divisional games, and Titans coach Mike Mularkey is 26-10 OVER when coaching against losing teams. This indoor contest shapes up as an offensive show. Play this game to finish OVER the total.

The Arizona Cardinals are a surprising 8-5, and although Carson Palmer takes some heat for a too many errant throws, he has added a bundle to the offense on this team. Last season, the Cardinals produced 20 points or more in a game just one time in their last 12 contests. This season they have done so 11 times through 13 games, including each of the last nine. Ryan Fitzpatrick has started the last five games for the Titans, and has produced 23 points or more in four of them, so I think the low total here is in considerable jeopardy. Both of these teams appear to be destined for 20 points or more, and Arizona is an amazing 66-29-1 in their last 86 after gaining over 350 yards in their previous game. The Titans are 7-0 to the OVER after allowing 350 or more in their previous game. Make the play on the OVER.