Cardinals vs. Raiders Prediction, Odds, Spread, Trends for NFL Preseason Week 1

The Arizona Cardinals already have one preseason game under their belt, losing to the Carolina Panthers on a touchdown on the final play of the game.

They'll now face the Las Vegas Raiders in the first full week of preseason action in a battle between two teams that are hoping to prove their doubters wrong in 2026.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bet for this exhibition showdown.

Cardinals vs. Raiders Odds, Spread, and Total for Preseason Week 1

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread

Cardinals +1.5 (-112)
Raiders -1.5 (-108)

Moneyline

Cardinals +105
Raiders -125

Total

OVER 41.5 (-118)
UNDER 41.5 (-102)

Cardinals vs. Raiders How to Watch Preseason Week 1

Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Allegiant Stadium
How to Watch (TV): ESPN Unlmtd
Cardinals record: 0-1
Raiders record: 0-0

Cardinals vs. Raiders Betting Trends

Mike LaFleur is 0-1 straight up and against the spread as a head coach in the preseason
The OVER is 1-0 in Cardinals' preseason games

Cardinals vs. Raiders Key Player to Watch

Fernando Mendoza, QB - Las Vegas Raiders

This game will mark the first time that we'll see the No. 1 overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza, throw the ball in an NFL game. The Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion from the Indiana Hoosiers will get some reps in this game, but it's yet to be determined just how much he'll play. If he impresses enough in the preseason, there's a chance he gets the start over Kirk Cousins in Week 1 of the regular season.

Cardinals vs. Raiders Prediction and Best Bet

Both coaches have announced that starters will play for at least a series in this game, so there's no edge to be had in terms of which players will see the field. With that being said, I think the Cardinals have the advantage in terms of already having a live-action game under their belt.

Not only that, but the Cardinals have solid quarterbacks who will contribute throughout the game. Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Carson Beck, and Kedon Slovis will likely all see reps. Brissett and Minshew are great veteran arms, while Beck and Slovis looked fantastic in the Hall of Fame Game, completing 24-of-29 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

I'm going to back the Cardinals to make up for their first loss of the preseason by bouncing back with a win on Thursday.

Pick: Cardinals +105 via FanDuel

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