PHX Reporter

The Cardinals vs. Lions game is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. Sunday at State Farm Stadium, with the Cardinals currently listed as +3 underdogs. For more NFL odds, fans can visit the BetMGM online sportsbook.

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### Hunt to Halt Hutchinson

The Cardinals' offensive line was relieved last week when they did not face Aaron Donald for the first time in a decade. However, this week they will contend with Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for the first time since he entered the league in 2022. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing commented on Hutchinson's relentless playstyle: "(Hutchinson) takes no plays off, plays with a high motor, and he is one of the best defensive ends in the league."

In his recent game against the Buccaneers, Hutchinson recorded 4.5 sacks and leads the NFL with nine quarterback hits. He has consistently faced backup right tackles and will again go up against Kelvin Beachum this week. Despite being a backup, Beachum is a seasoned veteran with 150 career starts.

-- Zach Gershman

### The Honolulu Blue-Print to Slow Lions

A strong offensive line often correlates with a strong offense. Last year, the Lions showcased both by securing two playoff wins in one postseason for the first time since their 1957 NFL title win. Pro Football Focus rated their offensive line as the best entering 2024. However, under pressure from the Buccaneers last week, Lions QB Jared Goff managed only a passer rating of 35.3 and threw two interceptions out of 55 pass attempts.

The Cardinals defense demonstrated resilience against a weakened Rams offensive line last week with five sacks, twelve tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. The question remains whether Arizona's defense can devise a strategy to disrupt Detroit's run/pass game effectively.

-- Paul Calvisi

### Altering Amon-Ra's Access

To limit Detroit’s passing game effectiveness, the Cardinals need to neutralize wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown who was targeted nineteen times in Week 2 against Tampa Bay and serves as Jared Goff’s primary target. Arizona successfully contained Rams’ top receiver Cooper Kupp during his limited playtime last week. Replicating that performance could force Goff to rely on secondary options.

-- Dani Sureck