Cardinals vs. Saints Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
The Arizona Cardinals have reached the playoffs just once in Kyler Murray’s six seasons under centre. After doubling their win total to eight games last year, Murray and the Cardinals are looking to break out in a big way this season.
Their first step in that journey takes place on Sunday in New Orleans at 1 p.m. ET against the New Orleans Saints, who are one of the early favourites to have the worst record in the NFL during the 2025/26 season.
The Saints finished last season 5-12, and starting quarterback Derek Carr has since retired, so new coach Kellen Moore was left choosing between uninspiring second-year man Spencer Rattler and 25-year-old rookie Tyler Shough. It could be a long few months in the Big Easy.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Cardinals are 6.5-point favourites on the NFL odds, with a current moneyline of -300. They were 3-4-1 against the spread on the road last season, including 1-1 as a favourite.
New Orleans’ line is at +240. The Saints were 4-5 against the spread at home last year, including 3-4 ATS as home dogs.
The over/under is listed at 43 points.
Arizona Cardinals
Be careful when it comes to the hype, especially when Kyler Murray is involved, but the Cardinals, under third-year coach Jonathan Gannon, feel primed for a big season. Murray threw and rushed for over 4,400 yards and 26 combined touchdowns last year, with James Conner rushing for over 1,000 yards and tight end Trey McBride breaking out with 111 catches for 1,1146 yards.
Much-ballyhooed wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had “just” 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. It would be a mistake to overlook him.
A defence in need of an upgrade got it. Six of the team’s seven draft picks were on that side of the ball, including first-round big body Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson, who could be one of the steals in the draft, in the second.
New Orleans Saints
Moore has been lauded in his coaching career for his work with quarterbacks Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and, last season, with the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts. At least right now, neither Rattler nor Shough resembles even a fraction of any of those three quarterbacks.
There are holes everywhere except for maybe an offensive line that features four first-round picks. The team’s best wide receiver, Chris Olave, has had four concussions in three seasons and missed nine games last year.
Maybe the defence keeps them in games. Maybe Rattler or Shough shines under Moore. And maybe Olave stays healthy. That’s a lot of maybes.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Cardinals vs. Saints?
At this season’s outset, these franchises appear headed in opposite directions. A Cardinals offence that is clicking, along with a defence that was infused with draft picks to go with critical veterans Budda Baker, Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell, should provide 60 minutes of nightmares for a Saints team that needs to quickly establish a new identity under Moore.
Don’t expect it to happen Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. Look for the Cardinals to post a 35-10.
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