The Arizona Cardinals are staring down their 2026 opener against the Los Angeles Chargers as the NFL’s biggest week one underdogs. We’re talking a massive +9.5-point line against them, straight up from FanDuel Sportsbook. That’s a huge mountain to climb, and it screams “tough start” for the Redbirds. But you know what? Spreads are just numbers, and if you dig a little deeper, there are some wild bets that tell a completely different story about how this game could actually go down.
Jacoby Brissett’s Arm Could Shock the League
Okay, so the Cardinals are underdogs, but if they’re gonna put points on the board, it’s gotta be through the air, right? That’s where Jacoby Brissett comes in. The man is being picked for over 1.5 passing touchdowns at sweet +148 odds. Think about it: Brissett has made 11 starts, and in nine of those games, he’s thrown two or more touchdowns! That’s a serious track record. He knows how to find those skill players and get the ball in the end zone. It’s a bold prediction for an underdog team, but if Brissett connects with his playmakers, that over 1.5 TDs feels like a real possibility, doesn’t it? It means the Cardinals might not just roll over; they might actually be slinging it.
Marv and McBride Ready to Feast
But Brissett can’t do it alone, and that’s where Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. step up big time. Trey McBride, who was briefly the highest paid tight end in the NFL, is getting a ton of love with odds at +190 to record 25+ receiving yards in *each half*. That’s wild, but it makes total sense when you consider how much Mike LaFleur loves to use his tight ends. LaFleur’s system is practically built for guys like McBride to eat. Getting 25 yards in each half? With those odds, that feels like a no-brainer if LaFleur sticks to his guns. Then there’s Marv, Marvin Harrison Jr. The guy has been tearing it up all camp, especially when they get into the redzone. The bet? Marv as an anytime touchdown scorer at +250. You know if the Cardinals can just get themselves inside the 20, they are absolutely going to give him multiple shots to make a play. He’s been elite in those crucial situations during camp, and that’s exactly what you want from your star receiver.
So yeah, the Cardinals are walking into this game with a giant target on their back as major underdogs. But these specific bets on Brissett, McBride, and Harrison Jr. paint a picture of an offense that could surprise everyone. If these guys hit their numbers, it means the Cardinals could hang tough, score some serious points, and kick off their 2026 season with way more fireworks than anyone expects. Get ready to see if these bold predictions pay off!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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