The Arizona Cardinals, after a challenging 2022 season where they finished 4th in the NFC West, are set to face another uphill battle in 2023. The Cardinals’ projected win count for the upcoming 2023 NFL season is 4.5, with +105 odds on exceeding this mark and -125 odds on falling beneath it.
This article will dissect Arizona’s prior performance and offseason transformations while giving a Cardinals’ win total prediction for 2023.
Cardinals Win Total Prediction 2023: Under 4.5 Wins
Last year, the team grappled with a series of setbacks, from the suspension of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the widespread criticism that led to the firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Now, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals are looking at a rough journey to recovery, one that seems unlikely to result in more than 4.5 wins this season.
One of the biggest blows to the Cardinals came when they had to release DeAndre Hopkins after being unable to secure a trade partner. Hopkins’ absence left a gaping hole in their offense and threw their 2023 outlook into disarray. Furthermore, the Cardinals endured a 4-13 record last year, boasting the fourth-worst point differential in the league, as they were outscored by a disheartening 109 points.
Adding to the Cardinals’ woes, their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, tore his ACL in his right knee on December 12, 2022. He underwent reconstructive surgery on January 3, 2023. While it remains unclear when Murray will be able to return to the field, the presence of veteran Colt McCoy, David Blough, Jeff Driskel, and rookie Clayton Tune in the quarterback slot might not be enough to keep the Cardinals’ offense competitive until his return.
This leaves the Cardinals in a precarious position, with their chances of a strong season looking less likely with each passing day.
The Cardinals aren’t likely to contend, but who will win this division? Check out our NFC West Predictions and Best Bets for 2023.
Where To Bet: DraftKings Sportsbook
Arizona is far likelier to secure the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft than they are to win the NFC West this season. In 2022, only four teams failed to reach five wins, and unfortunately, the Cardinals were one of them. With a roster undergoing significant changes and a new coach implementing a different scheme, it’s more probable that they’ll remain in this underwhelming group for 2023.
Moreover, the losses on defense, such as players like Byron Murphy and Zach Allen, are likely to exacerbate the team’s struggles. Last season, the Cardinals were 31st in average points allowed, which indicates the monumental challenge Gannon and his squad face in improving this record.
In conclusion, predicting under 4.5 wins for the Cardinals this season is a sensible forecast, given the myriad challenges they face. It’s tough to envision them managing to score enough points to secure five wins in 2023.
Therefore, for those looking at over/under bets for the upcoming NFL season, betting under 4.5 wins (-125 odds) for the Arizona Cardinals appears to be the safer wager.
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