Broncos vs. Cardinals prediction, props: Bo Nix finally lets it rip in Week 7
The Cardinals’ upset of the Rams last week pushed Arizona to 2-0 at SoFi Stadium this season.Their defense held Matthew Stafford and the Rams to 16 points, despite their offense scoring only via six field goals.Denver enters fresh off a clutch overtime win over the reigning champions last Thursday night.One of the most confusing storylines of this NFL season has been the sudden regression of Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Although the Broncos enter Week 7 with a solid 4-2 record, the second-year signal caller has shifted from game-changer to game-manager, rarely looking downfield and often checking down. Nix has confirmed he’s facing mental hurdles on the field, but this Cardinals passing defense, despite showing out against the Rams, gives him a great chance to right the ship.Nix has not eclipsed 125 passing yards in the Broncos’ last two wins, but now sees a Cardinals secondary allowing the most touchdown passes (16) through Week 6 and an average of 229.7 passing yards per game.The angle here is that Denver comes in well rested, with a 10-day break since Week 6, and Arizona’s inconsistent play can’t be trusted.The Cardinals are 0-2 against the spread (ATS) at home this season, and have lost nine straight games in Glendale.Jacoby Brissett faces a tough task keeping the ball on the field against a Denver defense ranked eighth in EPA per play, tied for second with seven interceptions and fourth overall with 18 sacks.The Broncos also get a huge boost up front with Jonathan Cooper returning to join forces with Zach Allen and Nik Bonito, creating a nightmare matchup for Arizona’s front line.If the Cardinals want to stay competitive, they must exploit a Denver front that has struggled to contain opposing runners.
With rookie Jeremiyah Love not suiting up, the Cardinals backfield will be led by Zonovan Knight. While Arizona impressed in its recent outing, the Cardinals’ defense still has question marks, having surrendered 45 points to Detroit in Week 5, 36...