The NFL is entering Week 6 of the regular season, and with it comes some very good matchups. The Arizona Cardinals will take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be a great game. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Cardinals-Browns prediction and pick.
The Arizona Cardinals are the hottest team in football right now. They have started the season a perfect 5-0 with some decisive victories over tough teams. The Cleveland Browns are having a very solid season themselves. They suffered a very disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last week in an offensive heavy showdown. The Browns will look to make up for last week's loss as they return home to play against the best team in football. This is a Sunday afternoon game that you won't want to miss.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the Cardinals-Browns odds for Sunday’s matchup.
NFL Odds: Cardinals-Browns Odds
Arizona Cardinals +3.5 (-112)
Cleveland Browns -3.5 (-108)
Over 49.5 (-103)
Under 49.5 (-117)
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Why the Cardinals Could Win
The Cardinals are 5-0 for a reason, they have been balling. Their most impressive win came against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. Arizona notched a 37-20 victory against a division rival and one of the best teams in the NFL. This Cardinals team is no joke, and while injuries may hold them back in this matchup, if their players play then they will look to dominate.
Leading the Cardinals this season has been Kyler Murray. The 2019 first overall pick has finally taken the leap to cement himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He has already thrown for over 1500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Murray suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5 against the 49ers though. He has been a limited participant in practice all week but looks like he is on pace to play on Sunday. Whether or not Murray plays will have a huge outcome on the game.
On the other side of the ball is the Arizona defense. The Cardinals have limited opposing quarterbacks to just over 200 passing yards per game. Cleveland has a solid receiving core and quarterback in Baker Mayfield. If Arizona can limit the passing game then they should be able to put themselves in a position to win this game.
While injuries may be working against Arizona in some ways, it is helping them in others. The Browns star running back, Nick Chubb, is out for this matchup. Their second option, Kareem Hunt, hasn't practiced all week and only took the field for the first time on Friday. If both of these backs are out for Sunday's contest, then Cleveland will have a very tough time securing a win.
Why the Browns Could Win
The Cleveland Browns are a good football team. That may sound weird to some, but it's 2021 now and it's true. They're 3-2 but have faced a very tough schedule. They have two losses against tough opponents. Their first loss was in Week 1 to the Kansas City Chiefs by four points. Last week they lost a thriller to the Chargers by five. Both of these games were winnable but just didn't go Cleveland's way.
The stand out factor for Cleveland has been the defense. The Browns rank 4th in the league in total yards allowed by opponents. Cleveland has allowed less than 300 total offensive yards per game from opposing teams. They are also second in limiting rushing yards, allowing only 75 yards on the ground per contest. The Browns are a tough football team to play against.
Their offense has also been stellar. Cleveland comes in at No. 5 (one above Arizona) in total yards per game. The Browns create over 400 yards of offense per contest. Led by Mayfield and a dominant backfield, the Browns offense has been able to make things happen. If Kareem Hunt plays and Cleveland can get things going on the offensive end, then their defense should be able to take care of business. The Browns can definitely find a victory at home this week against the Cardinals.
Final Cardinals-Browns Prediction & Pick
The only undefeated team in football is a +3.5 underdog heading into this matchup in Cleveland. Injuries are likely the main reason for this line, but they plague both teams. The headlining injuries for Arizona are Kyler Murray and Deandre Hopkins. If Murray doesn't play then Cleveland should definitely win this game. If Hopkins doesn't play, the Arizona receiving core is deep enough that the Cardinals should still be able to cover. Cleveland is definitely going to be without Nick Chubb this week. Kareem Hunt hasn't practiced, and some noticeable defenders have been dealing with injuries. Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, Denzel Ward, and Greedy Williams were all limited participants on Thursday. Injuries are a part of football, pick the Cardinals to cover if Kyler plays.
FINAL CARDINALS-BROWNS PICK: Arizona Cardinals +3.5 (-112)
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