Two NFC division leaders will square off on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. Can Kyler Murray continue his scorching start against Green Bay, or will Aaron Rodgers hand him and the rest of the Cardinals their first defeat of the season? Here's our preview for a breakdown of this Packers vs Cardinals clash.
Green Bay Packers enter Week 8 as +4 underdogs
The Green Bay Packers will have their work cut out for them in their Thursday Night Football showdown against the Arizona Cardinals, as they will likely be without their main wide receiver Davante Adams for that marquee primetime clash.
On Monday, Adams was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list as he tested positive for the coronavirus alongside Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Adams can only suit up for that game if he tests negative 24 hours apart, provided he has no symptoms. That is an improbable scenario, given that the game against the Cardinals is just three days away.
Losing Adams would be a tremendous blow for the Packers, who are amidst a six-game winning streak. This season, Adams has been a vital cog to the Packers' success, making huge plays for Green Bay on the receiving end through their first seven games.
He is currently tied for second in the NFL with 52 receptions this season. Adams is also ranked second in the league in receiving first downs and third in receiving yards with 744. The Packers' offense revolves around Adams, who has accounted for one-third of Green Bay's receptions this year.
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Arizona Cardinals installed as -4 favorites
The Arizona Cardinals' run as the last unbeaten team in 2021 will continue into Week 8 after they crushed the Houston Texans, 31-5, last Sunday. It was another dominant victory by the Cardinals, who have won their first seven assignments by an average of 15.9 points.
With the victory, the Cards improved to 7-0 for the first time since 1974. Arizona unleashed its newest weapon against Houston, with Zach Ertz immediately showing his value in his debut game for the Cards. Ertz recorded the longest touchdown reception of his NFL career in the win against the Texans, scoring a 47-yarder midway through the third quarter.
Ertz's touchdown was part of Arizona's 31-0 blast that turned an early 0-5 deficit into a comprehensive 26-point victory in the end. Kyler Murray was superb again in Week 7, completing 20 of 28 passes for 261 yards with three touchdowns. He did throw one interception, though, his first pick since Week 3.
The Cardinals dominated in every facet of the game as they outgained the Texans in total yards, 397-160. The Cardinals will be tested in Week 8 as they will face a Packers side that is seventh in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 331.4 yards per game this season.
Writer's Prediction
Arizona wins over Green Bay.
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