Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions: Week 3 preview

Key injuries

Arizona injuries: The big news on Friday was that receiver Christian Kirk was going to miss Sunday’s game.  That will likely put Andy Isabella in as the number three receiver behind DeAndre Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald.

Center Mason Cole is also out on Sunday for the second consecutive week.  However his backup Lamont Gaillard has played well in his absence so far.

Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips are both questionable.  Both were limited in Friday’s practice.

Detroit injuries: Tight end Hunter Bryant has been ruled out.  Cornerback Desmond Trufant has been ruled doubtful against the Cardinals, so don’t expect to see him either.

Receiver Kenny Golladay is listed as questionable.  He likely becomes a gameday decision for the Lions.

Prediction

The Cardinals are looking for a 3-0 start, the Lions just want to get that first victory under their belt.  Certainly the Lions have the talent to come into State Farm Stadium and get the win.

However Detroit has done little so far to give much confidence in its fanbase.  They blew a large lead in week one to the Chicago Bears, only to drop a game winning pass in the end zone with nine seconds remaining.

Last week, Detroit jumped out to a 14-3 lead on the Green Bay Packers, but again, things fell apart quickly after that and they ended up losing 42-21.  They will need to put together a full 60 minutes to win.

Same can be said about the Cardinals.  They’ve had lapses.  Last week for a few minutes it appears they might allow Washington to crawl back into the game after jumping out to a 20-0 halftime lead.

The Cardinals with Murray and running back Kenyan Drake should get the job done this Sunday.  The defense again will need to do its part.  Cardinals pull this one out 37-23.