Cardinals vs Jaguars Odds, Betting Lines, Picks, and Predictions
- Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals take on rookie Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3
- The Cardinals are more than a touchdown favorite to win again as the road team
- Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction
The 2021 NFL season heads into Week 3 as the Jacksonville Jaguars entertain the Arizona Cardinals. Jacksonville is trying to win their first game as Arizona attempts to go 3-0. While the Jaguars are finding ways to lose, the Cardinals keep surviving and thriving.
Arizona is in position to win anywhere from nine to 11 games with their schedule. Most think Jacksonville may only win four or five games at this juncture.
Kickoff is set for just after 1pm ET from TIAA Bank Field in Arizona. The game will be broadcast on Fox.
Cardinals vs Jaguars Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | -350 | -8 (-110) | Ov 50.5 (-110) |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | +270 | +8 (-110) | Un 50.5 (-110) |
Odds as of September 25th at DraftKings
The Cardinals are favored by more than a touchdown entering Sunday’s game, with the money tilted towards Jacksonville. Currently, about 86% of the money is coming in on the Arizona moneyline, The spread has now risen to eight points and still may wobble up or down before game time.
Arizona’s odds to win have ranged from -325 to -375, while the odds on the over/under have moved around between 49.5 and 51.5 (now 50.5).
Week 3 Injury Report: Cardinals vs Jaguars
| Cardinals | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | Ribs | Game-time decision |
| Byron Murphy | CB | Ankle | Questionable |
| Brian Winters | OL | Personal | Out |
| Kelvin Beachum | OL | Toe | Questionable |
| Jaguars | Position | Injury | Status |
| Tre Herndon | CB | Knee | Questionable |
| CJ Henderson | CB | Groin/Illness | Questionable |
| Roy Robertson | DL | Ankle | Questionable |
Arizona has a few players out of the lineup and several key players who are questionable. Also, DeAndre Hopkins is a game-time decision due to some injured ribs.
Watch for the status of players like Byron Murphy and Marco Wilson for Arizona. Both are considered questionable currently with injuries. As for Jacksonville, keep an eye on CJ Henderson. He was not feeling well and is still battling a groin issue as well.
Lawrence Poised to Lead Jacksonville to First Win
Though Jacksonville was playing better in the first two games, the Jaguars still wound up 0-2. They lost 23-13 as the Denver Broncos held Lawrence to no touchdown passes.
The intriguing thing with Lawrence is that he did not perform well after the first few drives. The first drive was a long 83-yard journey to a touchdown. It is those types of drives Jacksonville needs more of to keep their defense off the field.
73 of Trevor Lawrence’s 118 passing yards last week came in the first drive of the game.
If #AZCardinals defense can get him off pace and uncomfortable, they will control the game.
— Kyler Burd (@AZCard_BurdsEye) September 25, 2021
Again, the concern for Jacksonville is very clear. Can the Jaguars establish any kind of running game? Also, does Jacksonville find a way to exploit some of the secondary holes in Arizona’s lineup? So far, Lawrence has not done well against front sevens who can generate pressure. Any kind of running game, even if Lawrence uses his legs well, would help.
Now, let’s compare the quarterbacks quickly in the early going.
Lawrence vs Murray
| 84 | Attempts | 68 |
| 42 | Completions | 50 |
| 450 | Yards | 689 |
| 4 | Touchdowns | 7 |
| 5.4 | Yards/Attempt | 10.1 |
| 47.8 | PFF Offensive Grade | 84.8 |
The big concern with Lawrence is he is just not putting up consistent numbers. He is completing just 50% of his passes while throwing five interceptions. Jacksonville made too many mistakes on Sunday. When a quarterback throws for just 45 yards aside from the first drive, that is a problem.
Trevor Lawrence never had a QBR above 87.3 while playing in the ACC.
The generational talent label was the result of evaluation echo chambers.
Had been saying this for a long, long time
— 🏴☠️ (@PiratesEnjoyer) September 25, 2021
The Jaguars should be able to take advantage of Arizona’s secondary on Sunday. After all, the quarterback faces a Cardinals team that allowed 419 yards to Minnesota. Can Jacksonville manage to move the ball downfield like they did early last week against Denver? Furthermore, can they adjust to different looks? That has been a problem for Jacksonville.
If not, Lawrence and Jacksonville are not going to have a good Sunday afternoon again.
Murray Hopes to Continue MVP Candidacy
After the Week 1 rout in Tennessee, Murray proved the first week was not a fluke. In Week 2, Murray threw for three more touchdowns in the wild 34-33 victory over Minnesota. The quarterback added another rushing touchdown as well. Despite two interceptions, Murray rolled against a deficient Minnesota defense missing several regulars.
Murray benefits this week as he plays a Jacksonville defense allowing over 400 yards per game. While Urban Meyer cannot find a spark for his team. Arizona’s quarterback is the spark, particularly later in games. It is those extra opportunities Murray creates. Right now, Arizona can score 30+ points with ease.
Another GREAT game from @k1 to start 2021.@BaldyNFL breaks down his Week 2 performance. 🎞️
📺: #AZvsJAX— Sunday 1pm ET on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/iiiIDuh6bk— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2021
Murray is going to likely have a good deal of time to throw on Sunday and scramble when needed. The middle of that Jacksonville defense generates little pressure. When Teddy Bridgewater throws for over 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns, that represents a huge problem for Jacksonville
If Murray gets the ball downfield early, that can set up the short game which would benefit the quarterback heavily. Jacksonville will have their hands full.
What’s the Best Bet?
While Murray can light up a scoreboard, Lawrence has a chance at least to perform well. Arizona’s defensive front seven, led by Chandler Jones, has been good. However, that secondary, without two of their better players represents an opportunity for Lawrence.
There’s a definite chance that Lawrence and Jacksonville can stay in this game. Allowing Lawrence to check down a bit more would help.
Expect the Arizona quarterback to pile up the numbers but Lawrence may have the best game of his young career. Take the risk and the eight points Jacksonville is getting.
The Pick: Jaguars +8 (-110)
A journalist veteran for over two decades, Chris has taught the gamut of fantasy hockey sports online from injuries to news to prospects, and more. He has bet on several sports and written sports betting articles about the NBA, MLB, NCAA football, the NFL, and NHL for USA Today.
