Maxxcash Our Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos prediction takes a look at the Week 15 matchup that could feature backup QBs. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Dec. 13.
Table of Contents
Cardinals vs. Broncos Odds
- Spread
Broncos -2.5 - Moneyline
Broncos -145, Cardinals +120 - Over/Under
36.5 points
Cardinals vs. Broncos Prediction
The Cardinals are certainly in the middle of a disappointing 2022 campaign. After being discussed as a potential candidate to battle with the Los Angeles Rams for the division title, Arizona has now fallen to 4-9 on the year and things may have just got even worse.
On Monday Night Football this past week, just two plays into the game, starting QB Kyler Murray went down with a non-contact leg injury, and the initial reports are that it is believed to be serious. Further testing will reveal the full severity of the injury, but there’s no doubt that Murray will at least miss this game.
This puts Colt McCoy in line to start for the Cardinals for the third time this season. In his previous two starts, McCoy had thrown for just a total of 456 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He has a cupboard full of receiving weapons around him, but it hasn’t led to top-tier production.
And now he gets to take on a Denver defense that just forced three turnovers from Patrick Mahomes and is allowing the fourth-fewest points per game this season. The key for Arizona winning this game is going to rest on the offense finding some sort of groove and being able to move the ball on this stout unit.
If the Cardinals can control the clock and keep the chains moving, while converting a few times in the red zone, it might be enough to win this matchup against potentially another backup QB.
The Denver offense has been the main talking point for every sports outlet over the course of this season. The investment in Russell Wilson, the hiring of Nathaniel Hackett, and the complete ineptitude of the offense to score points has been discussed ad nauseam.
However, the Broncos’ offense showed signs of life last week against Kansas City. Wilson threw for three passing touchdowns — all to Jerry Jeudy — which is as many as he had had in his previous five games combined!
Unfortunately, Wilson was forced out of Week 14’s game against the Chiefs early with a concussion and did not return. At the time of writing, it’s unclear whether or not Wilson will be able to make it back in time for this matchup against Arizona.
MORE: Chiefs vs. Texans Prediction, Odds, and Picks for Week 15
If he does, Denver has a strong chance of pulling out a victory against a reeling Cardinals team. But if he doesn’t, Brett Rypien will serve as the team’s starting QB, which would certainly even out the playing field.
In a game that could feature backup quarterbacks on both sides, the key to winning the matchup will come down to whose offense can execute better and whose can take care of the football. If Denver can win the turnover battle, they’ll likely emerge with a much-needed victory.
Cardinals vs. Broncos Score Prediction
Broncos 17, Cardinals 14
