The Arizona Cardinals head into week two of the 2025 NFL season with a chance to gain needed momentum.
After defeating the New Orleans Saints in week one, the Cardinals now turn their attention to the Carolina Panthers.
NFL.com Analyst Marcas Grant believes the Cardinals will shine.
Grant makes a bold prediction in NFL.com’s “Week 2 Bold Predictions” Column.
He predicts that all three of the Cardinals‘ top ball carriers will score a touchdown.
It is indeed a bold prediction, but one that fits the moment.
The Panthers struggle to stop the run, and Grant believes the Cardinals will take advantage of that weakness.
With the chance to be 2-0 after this week, Arizona can’t afford to fall asleep at the wheel.
Cardinals’ Ground Game Shines In Prediction
The Cardinals feature a trio of ball-carriers capable of taking advantage.
With James Conner, Trey Benson and Kyler Murray leading the charge.
Having had the worst run defense in the NFL a year ago, Grant predicts a big day for the Cardinals trio.
“Carolina was statistically the NFL’s worst run defense last year — it surrendered a whole lot of yards and, in turn, gave up a ton of touchdowns,” Grant said.
That weakness has yet to show much improvement.
This leaves the door wide open for Arizona to attack and thrive running the football.
James Conner will lead the way as the Cardinals‘ primary workhorse, and Trey Benson will add speed and a change of pace to the rotation.
Moreover, quarterback Kyler Murray is always a threat when he is using his legs outside the pocket.
Arizona’s main ball-carriers — James Conner, Trey Benson and Kyler Murray — should get a lot of work in a positive second-half game script, and I predict they all score a touchdown in some capacity.
If the Cardinals can establish the run, Grant’s bold prediction may in fact come true.
Arizona Has Chance To Sit Atop NFC West
The Cardinals’ win over the New Orleans Saints provided them with the needed momentum to start the season.
A record of 2-0 after this week would raise the volume even higher.
Sitting atop the NFC West would be a massive gain for a team many thought would still be in rebuilding mode.
Momentum matters early in the NFL.
Wins stack up well, and a strong September often sets the tone for the rest of the season.
If Arizona can take care of business against the Panthers, they will all of a sudden have entered the conversation.
Grant’s bold prediction highlights the belief some analysts have had in Arizona’s potential.
Week two of the season offers an opportunity.
The Panthers‘ defense gives the Cardinals a chance to control the game on the ground.
With a chance to sit high in the NFC West as an added incentive, the game plan should be crystal clear:
Keep momentum rolling and prove Marcas Grant’s prediction right.
Cardinals Receive Eye-Opening Bold Prediction