GLENDALE, AZ — A week off for the Arizona Cardinals came at the perfect time. Not only to recover from the emotional roller coaster that was a thrilling comeback overtime win against the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, but to try and get a long list of injured guys healthy.
Prior to the season, I don't think anyone would have guessed that the Cardinals vs. Dolphins would have been one of the more intriguing games in week 9, but here we are. Both teams are winners of three in a row coming into the game, plus Kyler Murray vs Tua Tagovailoa.
Despite the Dolphins win against the Rams last week, Tua did not look good in his first career NFL start. I fully expect Vance Joseph to dial up some exotic blitz packages, much like we saw against Russell Wilson in overtime and Andy Dalton the week prior, to confuse the rookie QB. Even without Devon Kennard, Byron Murphy Jr., and Dre Kirkpatrick available on defense Sunday, I think the Cards will have their way with Miami's offense.
The league-leading Cardinals offense will keep rolling, but I'm still waiting for a complete four-quarter performance, not only from that unit, but from the team as a whole. We still haven't seen it through 7 games, yet the Cards are just a game back in the NFC West.
Can't afford any slip-ups in this divisional race, and I don't think that will be the case Sunday.
Prediction: Cardinals 38, Dolphins 17
