A month ago, the idea that the Kansas City Chiefs or Tampa Bay Buccaneers wouldn’t contest Super Bowl LVI was unthinkable. Now that the Chiefs may struggle to reach the post-season and the Bucs suffered a shock loss to the New Orleans Saints, it seems as if the winner won’t be a usual suspect.
Even without the Chiefs and the Bucs, the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams are ranked as shorter favorites at +550 and +750 respectively. So, what is it about the Arizona Cardinals that should make them everyone’s preferred choice for the post-season finale?
Proven Backup Players
American football is like football – the better your squad, the higher the chance of winning. After beating the San Francisco 49ers 31-17, the Cardinals showcased why their NFL betting odds have shortened dramatically of late, currently standing at +800 to make them the fourth favorites. It's because they can win when the team isn’t at its strongest.
Against the 49ers, for example, the Cardinals were without Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, two players that are integral to the offense. Regardless, they scored four touchdowns with a potent mixture of passing and rushing. Although Colt McCoy, replacing Murray, managed a solitary touchdown, he did throw for 249 yards, allowing James Conner and Eno Benjamin to power into the endzone.
Performances like that are statements because they tell Arizona’s rivals that they’ll need to play to a high standard whoever takes the field for the Cardinals.
Aggressive Defense
Late in the second quarter, Chandler Jones recorded the 67th sack of his Arizona career, taking him past Freddie Joe Nunn’s previous record of 66.5. It was a microcosm of the game as the 49ers only scored two touchdowns and a field goal. However, it’s been the story of the franchise’ season so far.
A stout defense will always be an integral part of success for a successful NFL franchise. But the Arizona Cardinals need it as much as any side according to the stats since Murray became their QB in 2019. Up until 2021, they hadn’t managed to win a game without scoring more than 24 points with Murray as the main man.
The tide is changing, though, because they’ve already done it once this year. Coincidentally, it was during the first game against the 49ers, running out the 17-10 winners. Of course, what it shows is that the team doesn’t need to rely on Murray’s brilliance all the time now that the defense is tighter.
Winning Mentality
Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray, listed as questionable for today due to a sprained ankle, is expected to test his injury in pre-game warmups before Arizona makes a final decision on his status. Cardinals want to be careful. If Murray can’t start, Colt McCoy will.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 7, 2021
Success breeds success, and right now, there aren’t many better franchises in the entire NFL. After nine matches, the Cardinals were the number one leading team thanks to an 8-1 record that makes them the +400 third favorites to win the NFC Conference.
Still, winning is one thing, yet winning when you’re not at your best is another animal. Arizona has been doing it all season, so their confidence will peak when Murray and Hopkins return from their injuries, not to mention J.J. Watt.
Plus, the whole squad will have incredible experiences to lean on when the going gets tough, such as winning multiple fixtures in different conditions without their star guys.
If the Cardinals’ train keeps rolling into the station, their +800 odds to win Super Bowl LVI may be generous!
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