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Cardinals vs Dolphins: AI Prediction - NFL Picks for Todays Game

October 22, 2024

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The Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts will meet Sunday in NFL action from Lucas Oil Stadium 

Preview of Dolphins vs Cardinals AI Predictions

Our AI Picks have you covered for this game + many more

How I Use Rithmm Models for my Dolphins vs Cardinals AI Prediction:

With Rithmm’s AI Picks model you are able to dive deep into just about any trend you can think of, below is just a snap shot of what I pulled for todays game. 

1. Head-to-Head Trends

  • The Dolphins and Cardinals don’t face each other often, as they are from different conferences, but in recent matchups, the Dolphins have had the edge. Miami won the last meeting in 2020 by a narrow margin (34-31).
  • Historically, the Dolphins lead the all-time series against the Cardinals, but the games have been relatively competitive.

2. Recent Performance Trends

  • Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have been inconsistent lately, dealing with injuries and offensive struggles. If they remain without key players like QB Tua Tagovailoa, they could continue to struggle offensively. Miami has lost three of their last four games, with their only win coming against a weak Patriots offense.
  • Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have shown signs of life, with more competitiveness than expected. While they have faced some tough matchups, the Cardinals have been able to keep games close. The team is in rebuild mode but still fighting hard under new head coach Jonathan Gannon.

3. Offensive and Defensive Matchups

  • Dolphins Offense vs. Cardinals Defense: The Dolphins’ offense has been struggling, especially without their starting quarterback. Miami has scored 15 or fewer points in four consecutive games, and their passing game could struggle against Arizona’s opportunistic secondary. The Dolphins also rank in the lower half of the league in offensive production, which might be a factor in this matchup.
  • Cardinals Offense vs. Dolphins Defense: Arizona’s offense has been led by QB Joshua Dobbs, and while not elite, the team has managed to move the ball. Miami’s defense has been solid but inconsistent, and with Arizona’s ability to score in various ways, this could pose problems for the Dolphins. The Cardinals may look to attack Miami’s 19th-ranked run defense.

4. Injury Impact

  • Miami Dolphins Injuries: Tua Tagovailoa's potential absence has a massive impact on Miami’s offense. The team’s offensive productivity drops without him. Other injuries in key positions, such as the offensive line and secondary, could also weaken Miami’s ability to compete.
  • Arizona Cardinals Injuries: While the Cardinals are not a fully healthy squad, they seem to be relatively better off than Miami in terms of key players missing games.

5. Trends Against the Spread (ATS)

  • Dolphins ATS: The Dolphins have struggled to cover the spread recently, especially with their injury issues. They have failed to cover in three of their last four games.
  • Cardinals ATS: The Cardinals have been better than expected against the spread this season, particularly in games where they’ve been underdogs. Arizona has covered the spread in several close games this season, showcasing their ability to stay competitive despite being underdogs.

6. Over/Under Trends

  • Recent games involving both teams have leaned toward lower-scoring outcomes. With Miami’s offensive struggles and Arizona’s tendency to keep games close, the under could be a trend worth watching.

Key Factors to Consider:

  • Quarterback Play: If Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t play, Miami’s chances drop significantly. The Cardinals may have the upper hand if Miami’s offense continues to stall.
  • Turnovers: Both teams have been prone to turnovers. The team that can win the turnover battle will likely have the edge in this matchup.

My Dolphins vs Cardinals AI Prediction

The Arizona Cardinals have a solid chance to win against the Miami Dolphins this week, primarily due to several key factors working in their favor. The Dolphins are dealing with significant injuries, particularly at the quarterback position with Tua Tagovailoa potentially out.

Without Tua, Miami’s offense has struggled, scoring 15 points or fewer in their last four games. This gives the Cardinals an opportunity to take advantage of a weakened Miami offense. In addition, Miami’s defense has been inconsistent, especially against the run, ranking 19th in the league. Arizona’s running game, led by James Conner and the mobility of quarterback Joshua Dobbs, can exploit this weakness and control the pace of the game.

The Cardinals, despite their record, have been more competitive than expected, often  keeping games close under head coach Jonathan Gannon. They’ve shown resilience and an ability to stay in games, especially against tougher opponents.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have been turnover-prone, and Arizona’s defense could capitalize on this, increasing their chances of controlling the game. Dobbs has been effective with both his arm and legs, and Miami has struggled against mobile quarterbacks, making this a potential advantage for Arizona.

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Furthermore, the Dolphins’ defense is also dealing with injuries, particularly in the secondary, which opens the door for Arizona to exploit mismatches in the passing game. The Cardinals have played well on the road this season, showing they can handle difficult environments.

Combined with Miami’s recent struggles—losing three of their last four games—the Cardinals’ steady improvement and ability to limit Miami’s offensive opportunities could be key. If Arizona can execute their game plan, take advantage of Miami’s vulnerabilities, and win the turnover battle, they stand a strong chance of securing a victory.

Selection: Cardinals +3.5 

If you’re looking for more Rithmms’ AI Picks you can check them out here.

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