Arizona Cardinals Vs. New England Patriots: 5 Bold Predictions For NFL Week 1


The Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots are set to kick off their respective 2016 seasons with a Sunday Night Football game against each other. It is one of the most anticipated games of the season, and there are many reasons to expect that the two teams will put on an entertaining show for the fans.

Tom Brady will not take part in the game as he has been suspended for the first four games of the season. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots’ offense looks without their superstar leading the way. Jimmy Garoppolo has a lot of work ahead of him, and there is no doubt that he is capable of leading the Patriots in Brady’s absence.

That being said, it will be interesting to see what ends up happening on the Cardinals’ side of things.

Bruce Arians and his team finished the 2015 season with a loss in the NFC Championship Game. They believe that they can take their season a step further this year. It won’t be easy, but the Cardinals have put together an impressive roster on both sides of the football.

Everything considered, what five bold predictions could be made for the Cardinals vs. Patriots game in Week 1 action?

[Photo by Winslow Townson/ AP Images]
Jimmy Garoppolo Will Throw for at Least 300 Yards and Four Touchdowns

Replacing a legend like Brady won’t be easy, but Garoppolo has shown that he is ready to play. New England is in good hands when it comes to the quarterback position. Garoppolo will prove himself with a huge season opening performance and will throw for at least 300 yards and four touchdowns in the game.

Larry Fitzgerald Will Dominate Once Again

Even at 33-years-old, Larry Fitzgerald is without question one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He was a huge part of the Cardinals’ success in the postseason last year. Fitzgerald will dominate the New England defense and prove that he is their No. 1 receiver once again.

Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett Will Terrorize the Cardinals’ Defense

New England has put together one of the best tight end duos that the NFL has seen in recent years. Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the league, while Martellus Bennett was a huge offseason pickup. They will terrorize the Arizona defense and will make life extremely easy for Garoppolo.

[Photo by Rick Scuteri/ AP Images]
David Johnson Will Break Out for 200 Total yards and Two Touchdowns

Arizona couldn’t be more excited to see the kind of production that they receive from second-year running back David Johnson. He will give them an idea of the star potential that he possesses right off the bat and will total 200 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson will need to step up in a big way this season for the Cardinals if they want to compete for a Super Bowl appearance.

Arizona Will Come Through with a Close Victory

When everything is said and done, the better team will win the game. Arizona is a little bit better than the Patriots, especially with Brady having to sit this one out. It won’t be an easy win, but Arians and the Cardinals will figure out a way to come out with a clutch victory.

Expect to see this game as one of the most entertaining contests from Week 1 of the NFL season. There are plenty of other games that will be interesting to watch, but this one will come down to the wire.

Which team do you think will triumph in the opening edition of Sunday Night Football? What are your final score predictions? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Rick Scuteri/ AP Images]

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