2025 Arizona Cardinals Betting Outlook & Tips

Greg Kajewski
Sep 4
5 min read

Updated: Sep 20

The 2025 NFL season is here, and for sports bettors eyeing value-laden opportunities, the Arizona Cardinals present an intriguing case. While they surprised many by exceeding expectations in 2024, going from a four-win team in 2023 to an eight-win squad last season, the Cardinals seem poised for another leap forward. With a revamped defense, a favorable schedule, and a quarterback looking to capitalize on his potential, the Cardinals are a team worth exploring for betting enthusiasts. Below, we’ll dive into their strengths, key factors, and betting opportunities, based on an insightful analysis provided by Lefty of The Betting Network.

Understanding the Cardinals' 2025 Outlook

The Arizona Cardinals defied expectations last season, doubling their win total from 2023 despite facing one of the NFL's toughest schedules. They played eight playoff teams and encountered both a top-10 most difficult offensive and defensive schedule. Even with those challenges, they went over their projected win total of 7.5 games. This year, however, the schedule tilts in their favor, setting the stage for potential improvement.

Lefty highlights that the Cardinals have the biggest overall improvement in opponent strength based on his power ratings. Their early schedule is particularly favorable, with winnable games against teams like the Saints, Panthers, and Titans - all of whom are either rebuilding or starting rookie quarterbacks. This favorable start gives Arizona a solid opportunity to rack up wins early in the season.

Defensive Investments: Plugging the Gaps

The Cardinals' defense was a glaring weakness last season, but the front office made significant moves to address this. Arizona's four biggest free-agent signings and each of their first five draft picks were dedicated to the defensive side of the ball. Key additions include:

Josh Schwat: An edge rusher familiar with head coach Jonathan Gannon’s system from their time in Philadelphia.
Kus Campbell and Dalvin Thomas: Proven defensive linemen adding talent and depth.
Keane Davis-Gaither: A linebacker who can strengthen the core of the defense.
Walter Nolan and Will Johnson (Draft Picks): Young names expected to jump into starting roles immediately.

This strategic focus on the defense not only upgrades talent but also provides depth - a critical factor after the team suffered from poor injury luck last year. With these additions, the Cardinals could take a significant step forward on the defensive end, potentially pushing them into playoff contention.

Offensive Stability and Kyler Murray's Leadership

On the offensive side, the Cardinals return all their starters from a unit that ranked top 10 in both success rate and EPA per play in 2024. While their wide receiver group lacks a true standout, it boasts depth with players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Zay Jones. If Harrison develops into a legitimate WR1, Arizona’s offense could become even more dynamic.

Quarterback Kyler Murray, known for his raw athleticism, is reportedly showing improved leadership and commitment this offseason. While injuries have plagued his career thus far, his health and ability to stay on the field could heavily influence the Cardinals' overall success. Bettors should monitor his performance closely, as it will likely impact both their win totals and their odds in individual games.

Why the Cardinals Have Upside

A few other factors make Arizona an attractive team for bettors:

Road Underdog Success: Arizona was one of the most profitable teams in the league last year when playing as road underdogs.
Indoor Venues: Five of their nine road games this year are in domes, ensuring controlled weather conditions, which suits their style of play.
Turnover Regression: The Cardinals were unlucky in turnover metrics in 2024, recovering only 33% of forced fumbles and generating few defensive turnovers in close games. Turnover luck tends to regress to the mean, which could benefit Arizona this season.

Key Betting Opportunities for 2025

1. Super Bowl Futures

Lefty placed a long shot bet on the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl at +6600 odds back in March. While he admits that Arizona isn’t a favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, the odds represented solid value - a key consideration in futures betting. As of now, those odds have shortened to +6000 at some sportsbooks, indicating growing confidence in the team.

2. Playoff Appearance and Win Totals

With a projected win total of 9.5, the Cardinals appear to be on the cusp of playoff contention. Betting on them to make the playoffs offers a safer, more realistic option than Super Bowl futures. Given their favorable schedule and offseason improvements, a 10-win season is well within reach.

3. Division Winner Long Shot

For those seeking higher payouts, consider Arizona as a dark horse to win the NFC West. While the 49ers remain the favorites, the Cardinals could capitalize on a weaker-than-usual division if they stay healthy and get strong performances out of their improved defense.

4. Individual Game Markets

Arizona’s early schedule features several favorable matchups, making them an interesting team in moneyline and spread bets. Pay close attention to games where they are listed as road underdogs, given their strong track record in that situation.

Potential Risks to Keep in Mind

No betting strategy is without risks, and there are challenges to Arizona’s 2025 outlook:

Health of Kyler Murray: If Murray misses significant time, the Cardinals' offensive potential could be severely limited.
Wide Receiver Depth: Arizona’s receiving corps lacks proven star power, which could hinder their ability to compete against elite defenses.
Tough Second Half of Schedule: After their Week 8 bye, the schedule tightens, with games against strong teams like Cincinnati and divisional rivals.

Bettors should weigh these factors carefully before placing their wagers.

Key Takeaways

Improved Schedule: Arizona goes from one of the toughest schedules in 2024 to a favorable slate in 2025, especially in the first six weeks.
Defensive Upgrades: The Cardinals addressed their biggest weakness by adding both talent and depth to their defense.
Betting Opportunities: Consider futures bets on playoff appearances and win totals, with long-shot value in Super Bowl and division winner markets.
Value in Early Games: Arizona’s early schedule features winnable matchups, making them appealing for moneyline and spread bets.
Monitor Kyler Murray: His health and leadership are crucial to Arizona’s success. Keep an eye on his performance throughout the season.

Conclusion

The Arizona Cardinals offer compelling value for sports bettors in 2025. With a favorable schedule, defensive reinforcements, and a quarterback eager to prove himself, they are a team with upside in several betting markets. Whether you’re a sharp looking for undervalued futures or a casual bettor seeking excitement, the Cardinals are worth your attention this season.

Sign up on BettorEdge here.

Outlook and Source from Lefty of The Betting Network: "2025 NFL Team Preview | Arizona Cardinals | Future Bets" - Live Dog Lefty, YouTube, Jul 28, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX54Ny9UfJ8

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.