The Cardinals and Raiders both promise to play their starters in their preseason clash in Las Vegas. When it’s time for the game to be decided, however, there’s a good chance that the rookie quarterbacks will have the stage.
The Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza will be getting his first taste of the NFL, while Arizona’s Carson Beck played spectacularly in last week’s Hall of Fame game. That’s why my Cardinals vs. Raiders predictions and NFL picks look for Arizona to get the win.
Cardinals vs Raiders predictions
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Who will win Cardinals vs Raiders: Cardinals moneyline
The Arizona Cardinals rookies and reserves have a game under their belt. A total of 37 Arizona players sat out that game.
Coach Mike LaFleur says they’ll play one or two series against the Las Vegas Raiders. That includes quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II, as well as running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall draft pick.
As the first quarter winds down, the experienced youngsters will step in. The last four Hall of Fame Game teams won the following week by an average score of 26.3 to 9.8.
Cardinals vs Raiders prediction: Under 41.5
Arizona scored 30 points in the highest-scoring Hall of Fame game in history, but they’ll be facing what appears to be an improved Raiders defense. Las Vegas added four defensive backs in the draft and signed a pair of veteran linebackers.
The Cardinals defense should get a boost from their head start on the preseason. The last six teams to play in the last three HOF games did not allow the following week’s opponent to score more than 20 points.
While Kirk Cousins is expected to start for the Raiders, coach Klint Kubiak promises that top overall pick Fernando Mendoza will see “plenty” of time.
The last four quarterbacks picked first overall in the draft were all held without a touchdown pass in their preseason debut. Their teams went 1-3, scoring an average of 13.3 points.
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How to watch Cardinals vs Raiders
| Location | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date | Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | NFL+ |
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