Two teams aiming to overcome disappointing ends to the 2020 season clash in Week 1, as the Tennessee Titans play host to the Arizona Cardinals as slim 3-point favourites to win on the NFL odds. The Cardinals saw a promising 2020 campaign come undone with losses in six of their final nine outings, extending their current playoff drought to five years. The Titans are coming off their first AFC South division title win since 2008, but struggled badly at times to contain opposing defences.  Tennessee went 3-3 in their final three contests, capped by a 20-13 loss to Baltimore on Wild Card Weekend.

The point spread for this Week 1 contest at Nissan Stadium has remained steady since the line was first published back in the spring, with the total climbing slightly to a lofty 52.0.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

This marks the first regular season meeting between these two squads since December 2017. The Cardinals have regularly rewarded sports bettors in recent matchups with Tennessee, winning outright in four of six while covering the spread in each of their past four clashes. While both these teams feature formidable offensive weapons, low scoring has been the hallmark of late when these teams meet, with the total going Over 30 just once over their past four clashes.

That trend extended to the Cardinals’ late-season swoon in 2020, with the Under prevailing in five of their final seven contests. Conversely, the Titans return to action after closing out last season with the NFL’s fourth-ranked offence.

Arizona Cardinals

It is shaping up to be a make or break season for Cardinals pivot Kyler Murray. The first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft has struggled to get the Cardinals over the hump in his first two pro seasons. Murray failed to connect on a scoring pass while leading the Cardinals to defeats in Weeks 16 and 17 last season.

With Arizona’s final preseason game in New Orleans getting cancelled due to Hurricane Ida, the squad has had limited opportunity to give starters August playing time. That includes Murray, whose lone preseason appearance came early in a 17-10 loss to Kansas City in Week 2. The Cardinals have also been forced to contend with an outbreak of COVID-19 that has sidelined guard Justin Pugh, cornerback Robert Alford, and defensive end Jordan Phillips.

Tennessee Titans

While it is typically the vaunted Tennessee offence that captures the spotlight, it was the Titans defence that shone during the preseason. The Titans limited opponents to just six total points in back-to-back wins over Atlanta and Tampa Bay to open their August schedule, and surrendered an average of just 199 total yards per game while compiling a 2-1 preseason record.

The Titans may need more of that stingy play in their season opener after seeing Ryan Tannehill added to the COVID list late last week. In addition, receiver Julio Jones has been battling an undisclosed injury that kept him off the practice field until late August. The good news is Tannehill has confirmed that he arrived at camp fully vaccinated, which should help clear the way for his return in time for Week 1. That said, opportunity knocks for a Cardinals squad desperate for a fast start.

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Cardinals vs. Titans?