As we head into week 6 of the 2021 NFL season, the AZ Cardinals remain the only undefeated team with a 5-0 record. But the winning streak is in jeopardy as the team travels to take on the mighty Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Cardinals are without coach Kliff Kingsbury, Chandler Jones, and Zach Allen due to COVID.
The Browns have a 3-2 record, but that doesn’t reflect how good the team has been this year. They almost beat Kansas City in week 1 at Arrowhead losing 29 to 33. And they put up a hard fight against the Los Angles Chargers losing 42 to 47, becoming the first team to score over 40 points with no turnovers and lose.
Now, the Browns host the Cardinals, looking to be the first to hand the Cards a loss.
AZ Cardinals Game Preview (5-0)
The Cardinals’ offense struggled for the first time this season. But that will happen in a big division game, especially after they just came off a huge win against another division rival. Kyler Murray threw for only 239 yards and one touchdown, but you could tell he was hurting with a shoulder injury. Tight end Maxx Williams went down with a gruesome knee injury, ending his season. And offensive lineman Rodney Hudson suffered an injury and is officially ruled out for week 6. On top of those offensive injuries, they just weren’t clicking. Rondale Moore finished the game with only 38 rushing yards and James Conner had 29 yards and a touchdown. DeAndre Hopkins had another great game with one touchdown and 87 receiving yards. But the offense will need to step it up if they want to put up enough points to defeat Cleveland.
The defense had a strong game against the 49ers, stopping some big fourth downs and limiting San Francisco to converting only one of five. Zach Allen and J.J. Watt were the leaders in week 5 and so Watt will need to step it up again this week with Jones and Allen out. Byron Murphy didn’t practice on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday.
Other notable injuries on the Cardinals’ injury list include Chase Edmonds and Kyler Murray, who both have been limited at practice all week. And DeAndre Hopkins missed Wednesday and Thursday due to an illness. This is something I will obviously be following closely, especially before I set my fantasy football rosters.
| LV Raiders vs NO Saints | Moneyline | Point Spread | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| LV Raiders | +130 | +3.0 (-115) | O 43.0 (-110) |
| NO Saints | -154 | -3.0 (-105) | U 43.0 (-110) |
*Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbooks. Receive $50 in bonus bets when you deposit $5 through our exclusive offer.
The odds for this game are not available (nfl, betmgm)
Cleveland Browns Game Preview (3-2)
The Browns’ loss to the Chargers in week 5 was rough. Cleveland put up 531 yards with Baker Mayfield throwing for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Nick Chubb racked up 161 rushing yards and a touchdown. David Njoku also scored a TD ending the game with 149 receiving yards. The defense had two sacks against the Chargers, one coming from Myles Garrett. Garrett could be a problem for Kyler Murray. And it appears Garrett is ready for him completing his Halloween decorations with gravestones of every quarterback the Browns face this season, including Murray.
It was reported that Garrett along with Jadeveon Clowney didn’t practice on Wednesday, but both were upgraded to limited on the injury roster on Thursday.
As for injuries on the Browns’ offense, Njoku also went from DNP to limited as of Thursday, but Kareem Hunt didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Hunt will most likely play since Nick Chubb is out, whch could be a huge advantage for Arizona.
Sports Betting Odds
Sports betting apps like Caesars have Cleveland as three-point favorites and the over/under at 49.5. Even though I clearly want Arizona to win, I am not sure they will be able to handle the Browns. It will most likely come down to which players will play or be ruled out due to injury. My heart tells me the Cardinals will win it, but my head is saying Cleveland.
How To Watch The Cardinals & Browns Game
- Date: Sunday, October 17
- Time: 1:05 PM MST
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio
- TV: FOX
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