Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview/Prop Picks
10 September 2022
Time: 4:25 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 146.782; Arizona 145.844
Dunkel Line & Total: Kansas City by 1; 49
Vegas Line & Total: Kansas City by 4; 54
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+4); Under
You could make the argument that two of the best offenses in the NFL will face off tonight. The visiting Kansas City Chiefs will face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 11th.
After finishing the 2021-22 season with a record of 12-5, the Chiefs search for another successful season. They face some tough competition in Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals finished the year with an 11-6 record and lost in the Wild Card game last year. They started their 2021-22 season going 7-0 before their first loss. If last year is any indication, the Cardinals are going to get off to a fast start.
The question is, can they start fast enough to take down the Chiefs? Let's go over what each team brings to the game and make our pick.
Kansas City Chiefs: Changes to the Chiefs could play a big factor
During the offseason, the Chiefs underwent several changes. The most significant of these changes is the departure of Tyreek Hill. This leaves a gaping hole in the Chiefs offense, one they tried to fill in the offseason.
However, the addition of Juju Smith-Schuster doesn't quite compare to Tyreek Hill's departure. We'll have to see how Smith-Schuster fits in the offense.
Mahomes averaged 281.8 passing yards per game last season, ranking fourth overall. Their rushing game, however, ranked 16th in the NFL. If they want to win this game, they'll likely have to lean more heavily on their running game.
Their defense allowed 21.4 points per game last season, a massive step up. They'll need to be at their best against the Cardinals on Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals: Controlling the clock will help Arizona
The Arizona Cardinals need to focus on the proper game plan to beat the Chiefs. The first thing they should do is focus on controlling the clock and limiting the Chiefs' possessions.
If they can keep the Chiefs' offense off the field, they should win this game. Last season, the Cardinals' defense allowed 21.5 points per game. Their offense, however, was much better.
During the 2021-22 season, the Cardinals' offense averaged 26.4 points per game. They also averaged 122.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 10th overall.
Quarterback Kyler Murray averaged 270.5 passing yards per game with 24 touchdowns and ten interceptions. Murray will need to use his legs to extend plays and keep the Chiefs defense on its heels Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals Betting Pick
This game is a pretty tough one to call when first looking at it. The main trouble for the Chiefs is the loss of Tyreek Hill, their deep threat.
It's important to remember the Chiefs are 2-4 against the spread in their last six games against Arizona. Although they've been able to win several games against them, they've had a hard time covering the spread.
The Cardinals come into this game as four-point underdogs, which might not seem like much. However, if the Chiefs win it with a field goal, the Cardinals would still cover.
Arizona is 4-1 ATS in their last five games when playing at home against Kansas City. Along with Arizona, we'll take the under in this game as well.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Arizona Cardinals +4, UNDER
Prop Picks
Kansas City (-115) UNDER 30.5 Points
Arizona allowed 22.2 points per game on defense last season, which ranked No. 16 in the NFL. That average increased slightly to 24.5 points per game at home. Scores have gone UNDER in 21 of the Cardinals’ last 29 September games.
With Dunkel predicting a Kansas City win by the score of 25-24, take the Chiefs (-115) to finish UNDER their Vegas teamtotal of 30.5 points against the Sun Cardinals.
Kyler Murray (-115) UNDER 257.5 Passing Yards
Arizona averaged 244.3 passing yards per game last season, which ranked No. 11 in the NFL. That average decreased slightly to 243.3 passing yards per game at home.
With Dunkel predicting the final score staying UNDER the Vegas point total, take Murray (-115) to finish UNDER 257.5 passing yards versus the Chiefs.
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