If we’re being honest, it’s two rather bland teams here who won’t sniff the playoffs.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Arizona is in a full-on rebuild with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen, while Denver is mediocre at best and clearly doesn’t have a long-term future quarterback in starter Case Keenum.

Really, that’s the only link between the teams. Denver picked No. 5 in this year’s draft and reportedly GM and former Hall of Famer quarterback John Elway was enamoured with UCLA’s Rosen. However, when NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb was there at No. 5, Elway decided to pass on a quarterback and take Chubb. That might have been a mistake with how the journeyman Keenum has been playing and with his age.

When the Buffalo Bills took Wyoming’s Josh Allen at No. 7 overall, that left one quality quarterback still on the board: Rosen. So, Arizona traded up from No. 15 to No. 10 (with Oakland) to snag him. Rosen certainly has looked like a rookie at times but appears to have the goods to be a franchise QB.

Denver has lost just once in 10 all-time games vs. the Cardinals (dating to St. Louis days and includes one tie). It’s the Broncos’ first trip to the desert since 2010.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos hosted the first wintry weather game of the season on Sunday and lost 23-20 to the unbeaten Rams, Denver’s fourth straight defeat. A late Denver touchdown allowed the team to cover the 7-point spread. It had been the only club in the league yet to cover in a game. The Broncos are supposed to have a decent defence but that unit was gashed for 270 yards rushing. Keenum threw for 322 yards and two scores but threw another interception; that’s at least one in each game and eight total. He had seven all of last year in leading the Vikings to the NFC title game.

Embattled coach Vance Joseph says he’s committed to Keenum. We’ll see. Joseph himself may not have his job much longer. The Broncos were without starting right tackle Jared Veldheer and cornerback Adam Jones on Sunday due to injury. Left guard Ronald Leary left with an ankle injury and his season is over.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona is simply not a very good team and there are reports that the club is open for business in terms of trades as it’s ready to fully rebuild around Rosen. In Sunday’s 27-17 loss at Minnesota, Rosen was just OK in throwing for 240 yards with a pick. Believe it or not, the Cardinals have yet to gain 300 yards in a game yet. Arizona is last in the league in yards, rushing yards, first downs, third-down conversion and time of possession, among other things. The Cards were 0-for-10 on third down vs. Minnesota. Right guard Justin Pugh broke his hand but might be able to play through it.

Broncos vs. Cardinals Prediction