The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the US, with roots in Chicago and a stop in St. Louis. They play in a stadium with both a retractable roof and a roll-out grass field. Here's how to read Cardinals odds.
Who the Arizona Cardinals are
City and stadium
The franchise dates to 1898 in Chicago and was a charter member of the NFL in 1920. It moved to St. Louis in 1960 and to Arizona in 1988. Since 2006 the Cardinals have played in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, in a stadium with a retractable roof and a natural grass field that rolls outside to get sunlight. The roof is often closed in Arizona's heat.
Famous eras
- Chicago titles: the Chicago Cardinals won NFL championships in 1925 and 1947.
- Super Bowl XLIII: after the 2008 season, the Cardinals reached the Super Bowl, losing to Pittsburgh on a late touchdown.
- Desert years: the franchise has had playoff runs and rebuilding periods in Arizona.
Rivalries
The Cardinals play in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. The Rams rivalry spans St. Louis and Los Angeles history. Older rivalries with the Bears date back to the shared Chicago days.
How to read odds on Cardinals games
Favorite or underdog
Cardinals -2 (-110), moneyline -130: implied 130 ÷ 230 = 56.5%. Cardinals +6.5 (-110), moneyline +230: implied 100 ÷ 330 = 30.3%.
Climate-controlled home games
Because the roof is often closed, Cardinals home games are usually played in controlled conditions. Weather isn't a major factor at home. On the road, NFC West trips to Seattle and San Francisco can bring rain, wind or cool weather.
Travel in the NFC West
The NFC West is geographically spread across the western US. Travel distances are significant, and early kickoffs on the East Coast can be a factor for western teams. The effect is debated but worth considering. See how to read a matchup.
Worked example: underdog in a division game
The Cardinals are +6.5 against an NFC West rival.
- Spread cover implied probability at -110: 52.4% (by design).
- Moneyline +230 implied: 30.3%.
If you think the Cardinals win outright about 30% of the time but lose by 6 or fewer another 25% of the time:
- Spread cover chance: 30% + 25% = 55%. Positive value at -110.
- Moneyline: 30% vs 30.3% break-even. Roughly neutral.
When you expect a close game but not necessarily an upset, the spread may express your view better. See moneyline bets.
Mobile quarterbacks and variance
When a team's offense depends heavily on a quarterback who creates big plays with their legs, results can vary a lot from week to week. High-variance offenses can lead to wide swings against the spread.
Season-long markets
If the Cardinals' win total is 7.5 with the over at +100, the implied chance of eight or more wins is 50%. The NFC West has often been a tough division, so how many division games Arizona can win frequently decides whether its season goes over or under.
Heat and early-season road teams
Early-season games in Arizona are usually played with the roof closed because of the desert heat. That means the heat itself rarely affects play, unlike open-air stadiums in Florida.
What to check before picking Cardinals games
- Quarterback status.
- Roof status at home.
- Travel and time zones in the NFC West and beyond.
- Road weather in Seattle and San Francisco.
- Offensive variance and big-play reliance.
- The price. See implied probability.
Practice with play money
Cardinals games are useful for learning when the spread suits your view better than the moneyline. On MockSport you can make free play-money picks on both and track which works best. Visit the odds page.
FAQ
Are the Cardinals the oldest NFL team?
They're the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the US, with roots going back to 1898 in Chicago.
Does the Cardinals' stadium have a roof?
Yes. It has a retractable roof and a grass field that rolls outside to get sunlight.
Have the Cardinals won a championship?
Yes, NFL championships in 1925 and 1947 as the Chicago Cardinals. They reached Super Bowl XLIII after the 2008 season.