The Arizona Cardinals enter Week 8 in a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in which they are huge underdogs. The line has moved to 9.5 points.
Between the Cardinals’ recent play, losing four games in a row, their dreadful second-half performances (outscored 104-30 this season) and injuries, it seems like the Ravens are just too much to handle, especially if quarterback Lamar Jackson does what he did last week in a 38-6 win over the Detroit Lions.
Baltimore is No. 2 it total defense, No. 1 in points allowed and No. 1 in sacks.
That doesn’t bode well for the Cardinals.
What are experts saying about the games? Check out the score predictions below.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Jess Root, Cards Wire
Ravens 28, Cardinals 13
The Ravens win because they simply are too talented. The Cardinals are shorthanded and don’t have the offense to keep up while James Conner is out. I expect the Cardinals to play competitively for the first half and have it then get away from them.
Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire
Ravens 31, Cardinals 14
Baltimore is focused and looking to take their place among the AFC’s elite teams. Arizona has played tough football this season, and if Kyler Murray was active and James Conner was healthy, we’d be a bit more worried. Baltimore’s defense shines as the Ravens win.
The NFL Network panel of experts all expect a big win by the Ravens. All but one predict the Cardinals lose by at least 10 points.