5 reasons why the Cardinals will beat the Titans in Week 1

Reason No. 4

Watt will show joining the Cardinals was the right choice

The Cardinals have never had a leader on defense like J.J. Watt. Ridiculed for joining the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason, Watt will take advantage of the Titans’ offensive line. Watt played his entire career in the AFC South before coming to the desert, so the Titans are a team he knows very well.

Watt’s 18 sacks and 55 tackles against Tennessee are the most against any team he’s played in his career- Watt also had a 1-yard touchdown catch a few years ago. The knowledge that Watt will give to the other defensive linemen will only help further the chaos that they’ll create. Watt will get two sacks and a forced fumble on Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Reason No. 5

Hopkins will scorch Tennessee’s secondary

The only standout players in the secondary are Janoris Jenkins and Kevin Byard. Other than that, Tennessee doesn’t have anybody who remotely gets game-planned around. Not even Bud Dupree, who instantly became their best pass rusher. DeAndre Hopkins was with Watt for a long time in Houston, and Hopkins also had big days against the Titans.

Hopkins averaged at least 101 yards per game and scored seven touchdowns against the Titans in his career. History will repeat itself for Jenkins and Kristian Fulton as Hopkins is just simply a better player on the field. If it’s not Hopkins, then the Cardinals will be lighting up the scoreboard with Moore or even A.J. Green.

If the Arizona Cardinals can pull the upset against this Tennessee Titans team, then they’ll have a ton of momentum going that will only benefit them early on in the season. Arizona must stack wins early and “put the money in the bank” so that way they can spend some time resting their starters should they clinch a playoff spot this year.

Prediction: Arizona wins 28-21