The Detroit Lions are clear favorites against the Arizona Cardinals, with prediction markets giving Detroit a 69% market-implied probability of winning.
Football
By Chris Old
The Detroit Lions produced 452 yards in Carolina and still left with a 32-26 defeat. Their offense found its deep passing game, but the defense gave up 445 yards and could not get off the field often enough.
The Arizona Cardinals have their own frustration. They led the New York Giants by 11 points, reached the 4-yard line with a chance to win and instead lost 36-24 after a final-play interception return. Now they must face Aidan Hutchinson without left tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
That injury gives Detroit a clear matchup advantage. The Lions still have defensive problems of their own to solve.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Prediction markets for DET Lions @ ARI Cardinals currently make the Lions 69% favorites, with the Cardinals at 32%.
Market data as of October 6, 2026. For the latest market-implied probability, check the OG app.
Detroit's strongest advantage is direct and difficult for Arizona to hide. Johnson is out for the season with a torn left biceps, leaving seventh-round rookie Jayden Williams in line to protect Jacoby Brissett's blind side against Hutchinson.
The Lions can create pressure without sacrificing numbers in coverage. Hutchinson generated seven pressures against Carolina and Alim McNeill added five, including a sack. If the front produces at that level again, Detroit can keep extra defenders around Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Arizona has a route into the game. Detroit allowed Bryce Young to throw for 329 yards without a turnover, while Tetairoa McMillan caught 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
The Lions played more zone coverage during the first month, and their linebackers and cornerbacks have not consistently closed the windows behind the pass rush.
Brissett will have chances if the protection holds. Michael Wilson had seven catches for 95 yards against the Giants, McBride remains a dependable middle-of-the-field target and the backfield combination of Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier can keep the offense out of third-and-long.
The problem is sustaining that protection. Arizona's running game produced 81 yards on its first two drives in New York but only 42 afterward. Once the Cardinals became less balanced, their offense lost rhythm and Brissett finished with three interceptions.
Detroit is favored because its offense offers more ways to recover from a mistake. Jared Goff threw for 412 yards without an interception in Week 4, and Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta all threaten different areas of the field. Arizona needs a cleaner game to keep pace.
Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals odds
Detroit Lions win: 68%
Arizona Cardinals win: 32%
The market gives Detroit a substantial edge without treating the matchup as one-sided. Both teams have losing records, and the Lions have yet to win consecutive games this season. Their defensive inconsistency leaves Arizona with a credible path at home.
Detroit's pricing rests more on personnel and matchup quality than recent form. The NFC North outlook explains the expectations around a Lions roster built to contend, while the NFC West preview provides the divisional context for Arizona's 1-3 start.
Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals game outlook
Detroit should begin by forcing Arizona to defend the full width of the field. Jahmyr Gibbs can run inside, release from the backfield or shift into a receiving alignment. Those movements can identify coverage and create space for St. Brown and LaPorta between the numbers.
The deep ball has returned as a genuine threat. Goff connected with Williams for 49 yards and TeSlaa for 57 against Carolina. Arizona cannot crowd the short and intermediate areas as aggressively if its safeties must respect that speed.
That balance should help Detroit keep Goff clean. Arizona's Josh Sweat produced his first sack of the season against the Giants and played his best game of the year, but the Cardinals have not created consistent pressure across the first month. If Goff can throw on schedule, Detroit has favorable matchups at several levels.
Arizona's offense needs a steadier rushing foundation. Love ran for 63 yards and Allgeier added 42 in New York, with both averaging at least 4.5 yards per carry. Detroit then allowed Chuba Hubbard to rush for 122 yards and two touchdowns. There is no reason for the Cardinals to abandon that approach early.
The run can also slow Hutchinson. Screens, split-flow action and play-action passes to McBride can make Detroit's edge defenders hesitate before attacking the rookie left tackle. Brissett cannot spend the afternoon in straight dropback situations.
When he does throw, Arizona should test Detroit's zone spacing. Wilson and Harrison can work the outside windows, while McBride can challenge linebackers whose coverage has been inconsistent. Short completions are useful, but the Cardinals need explosive plays too. They produced four against the Giants after managing only two across their first three games.
Team news and injuries
Detroit Lions
Goff remains the confirmed starter after completing 32 of 52 passes for 412 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions against Carolina. Williams recorded his first 100-yard receiving game of the season, while TeSlaa set a career high with 95 yards.
Offensive lineman Ben Bartch missed Week 4 with a foot injury. Detroit still generated 452 yards, but Goff was sacked on the final possession as the Lions tried to complete the comeback.
Cornerback D.J. Reed entered the Panthers game listed as questionable with a rib injury and played, but his recent coverage has been a concern. The Lions allowed 329 passing yards in Carolina despite Hutchinson and McNeill combining for 12 pressures.
Arizona Cardinals
Johnson will miss the rest of the season and undergo surgery after tearing his left biceps. Williams is the expected replacement at left tackle, with Josh Fryar another option.
Right guard Isaiah Adams left the Giants game on a cart with an ankle injury. Mike LaFleur had not ruled him out Monday; Jon Gaines II is expected to start if Adams cannot play. Replacing two linemen at once would make Arizona's pass-protection plan far more difficult.
Safety Dewey Wingard suffered a knee bone bruise, while tight end Hunter Long also left with a knee injury. Love briefly limped with an ankle issue but remained involved. Sweat played through a groin concern and finished with four tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and a sack.
Key factors that could decide Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals
Can Arizona protect Brissett's blind side?
Williams has played only a handful of offensive snaps in heavy personnel. Hutchinson will test his set points, balance and ability to handle counters after the initial rush. Arizona may need a tight end or running back involved in protection.
Will Detroit's coverage support its pass rush?
Pressure was not the issue in Carolina. The ball still came out into open windows, particularly against the linebackers and outside coverage. Detroit must make Brissett hesitate long enough for the front to finish plays.
Can the Cardinals sustain their running game?
The first two drives against the Giants showed what Love and Allgeier can provide. The production then disappeared. Arizona needs efficient runs throughout the game, not simply an encouraging opening script.
How does Arizona defend Detroit's receiving depth?
Williams stretches the field, St. Brown works inside, LaPorta challenges linebackers and TeSlaa has emerged as another vertical option. The Cardinals cannot tilt coverage toward one target without creating an opportunity elsewhere.
Can Detroit avoid another uneven defensive performance?
The Lions have alternated wins and losses through four games. Their offense has enough firepower, but the defense has not consistently matched it. Arizona can make this uncomfortable if Detroit again gives up long drives and explosive completions.
What could move Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals odds?
Arizona's offensive-line news is the most important variable. Johnson is already out, and confirmation that Adams will also miss the game would increase the pressure on a reshuffled unit. Love's ankle and Wingard's knee are also worth monitoring because both players have significant roles.
Detroit's main questions concern Bartch and Reed. A healthier offensive line would support the Lions' deep passing game, while any limitation in the secondary would matter against Harrison, Wilson and McBride.
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