The Buffalo Bills have dominated the AFC East with four consecutive division titles, but their streak could face challenges in 2024. The departure of star receiver Stefon Diggs introduces some concerns about potential regression for quarterback Josh Allen.
Additionally, the team's No. 2 receiver, Gabe Davis, also left in the offseason, further contributing to uncertainty surrounding the Bills' offensive performance this season.
However, the Bills still have some key offensive pieces. Standout tight end Dalton Kincaid and late-season breakout receiver Khalil Shakir are back. The team also added second-round receiver Keon Coleman to their roster. If James Cook can maintain his strong presence in the backfield, Buffalo could still field one of the most effective offenses in the league.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have high hopes for their offense this season.
With Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, James Conner, and Marvin Harrison Jr., they could be an exciting team to watch. However, the defense lacks the same high-end potential, which might hinder their ability to compete for a Super Bowl. For the Cardinals to make a serious impact, their defense would need to show significant improvement.
Odds, Moneyline, and Over/Under for Cardinals vs. Bills
The Buffalo Bills are the favorites to win against the Arizona Cardinals, according to the latest NFL odds at BetOnline
- Spread: Bills (-6.5)
- Moneyline: Bills (-300); Cardinals (+240)
- Over/Under: 48
Cardinals vs. Bills Picks for Week 1
- Writer’s Pick: UNDER 48.5 (-108)
The Arizona Cardinals are projected to be a much-improved team in 2024. The Cardinals have strengthened their offensive line by signing Jonah Williams and drafted standout wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in the first round.
Kyler Murray is now fully healthy and benefited from a full offseason after recovering from an ACL injury last year.
This season’s roster represents the best collection of offensive weapons Murray has had in his NFL career. Additionally, James Conner is a critical factor in this game. When healthy, he has been a powerhouse, and Arizona should look to utilize him heavily to control the game's tempo and wear down the opposing defense—a proven strategy for beating a top-tier NFL quarterback.
On the other side, Buffalo's offense is in a transitional phase after trading away Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis to free agency.
The high-powered Bills offense of past seasons may not return immediately, as Josh Allen adjusts to a new and younger receiving core. These factors contribute to the expectation that the Cardinals vs. Bills game will fall under the 48.5-point total.
Cardinals vs. Bills Prop Bets
- Trey McBride OVER 49.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
Without linebacker Matt Milano patrolling the second level, Buffalo's ability to defend the pass—especially over the middle—is questionable.
The Bills allowed a success rate of over 70% when teams targeted the middle third of the field without Milano in the lineup last season. The Bills' pressure rate also dropped significantly from over 37% to just 23% without their star linebacker on the field in 2023.
Last season, Trey McBride thrived once Kyler Murray returned, averaging 67.3 receiving yards per game over eight contests. With an improved offensive line protecting Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. drawing attention on the outside, McBride is poised for a standout performance in Week 1. Betting on the former Colorado State standout to exceed 49.5 receiving yards could well be a +EV play.