The Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings will kick off their final preseason game of 2023 on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
I analyze the point spread and total and give my best NFL picks and predictions for the Cardinals vs. Vikings below.
Cardinals vs Vikings odds
Cardinals vs Vikings predictions
The Arizona Cardinals have already started going full tank mode after trading away linebacker Isaiah Simmons and offensive tackle Josh Jones this week. The Cardinals also traded for quarterback Josh Dobbs, which makes me think we will not see Kyler Murray this season.
Expect QBs Colt McCoy, David Blough, and Clayton Tune to once again share reps this week, which is not necessarily a good thing for Cardinals bettors. Arizona lost both of their first two exhibitions first halves by a combined score of 27-7, and now the defensive depth has gotten much worse following their string of transactions.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have yet to play the likes of Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and Alexander Mattison. Backup QB Nick Mullens has played very well in his two performances this preseason, however. Mullens has gone a combined 13/23 passing for 151 yards through his first two preseason appearances and will now get to feast on an undermanned Arizona defense.
This is one of those rare preseason games where I feel extremely confident with one selection. Minnesota will have a big advantage in talent early on and should be leading comfortably at the half.
My best bet: Vikings first half -0.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.
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Cardinals vs Vikings spread and Over/Under analysis
As much as I love the Vikings in the first half, there's going to be a noticeable decline in talent in the third and fourth quarter when Jaren Hall and the reserves take the field.
Meanwhile, in two preseason appearances, Cards' backup Clayton Tune has completed 25 out of 47 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He should outshine Hall and give the Cardinals an opportunity to rebound despite our expectation of them trailing at halftime. Ultimately, I'd even lean toward taking Arizona on the full-game spread.
With the current total set at 38.5, I like the Under. Despite the expected fast start, Minnesota is not going anywhere near the 30’s and the Cardinals are unlikely to reach double-digits in the first half. It would take a big fourth quarter for the Over to hit in this game.
Cardinals vs Vikings betting trend to know
The Cardinals have lost the first half in four consecutive preseason games and the Vikings have won the first half in three of their last four preseason games. Find more NFL betting trends for Cardinals vs. Vikings.
Cardinals vs Vikings game info
| Location: | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date: | Saturday, August 26, 2023 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NFL Network |
| Opening odds: | Vikings -2.5, O/U 38.5 |
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