NFL Week 5 Predictions: Eagles a good bet to cover vs. Cardinals? 10/8/17
Are the Eagles a good bet to cover the point spread versus the Cardinals on Sunday? Let’s dive into the matchup.
The Odds
According to oddsmakers, Philadelphia is listed as a 6.5-point favorite for today’s game. Arizona opened as a 6-point underdog, but bettors drove the price up a half-point. As for the total, the number hit the board at 45.5 but was bet down slightly to 45.
The Cardinals enter play today with a 2-2 record straight up and a 0-4 mark against the spread. On the other side, the Eagles are 3-1 on the season and have split at the betting window at 2-2.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are severely banged-up on both sides of the ball. Offensive tackle D.J. Humphries is out for Sunday due to a knee injury and so is defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche (calf). Guard Alex Boone is questionable with a chest injury, as our receivers John Brown (quad) and J.J. Nelson (hamstring).
Arizona also was forced to place two more players on injured reserve this week. Pass-rusher Markus Golden suffered a season-ending knee injury last week and guard Mike Iupati needs surgery to repair a bone spur in his elbow. Running back David Johnson was already on injured reserve with a dislocated wrist.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have injury problems of their own. Running back Wendell Smallwood (knee) and safety Corey Graham (hamstring) are questionable. Cornerback Ronald Darby (ankle) and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (calf) are out. Darren Sproles and Donnel Pumphrey are on injured reserve, thus Philly’s running back depth is being greatly tested.
Our Pick
Do I feel comfortable laying the 6.5 points on Philadelphia? No, but the Cardinals are a mess. Their offensive line is in shambles and that has greatly affected Carson Palmer, who is a statue in the pocket. While he and Larry Fitzgerald pulled off a victory in overtime last week against the 49ers, I don’t see the same magic happening today in Philadelphia. The Eagles are too good up front to let the Cardinals move the ball at will, especially seeing as how Arizona is depleted offensively.
NFL Week 5 Predictions: Philadelphia Eagles -6.5
