Eagles-Cardinals Week 5 expert picks and predictions

The Arizona Cardinals host the 4-0 Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium. It is a huge game for the Cardinals.

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If they can get an upset win, it will set them up for a potential 4-2 start before the return of receiver DeAndre Hopkins from his six-game suspension.

The Eagles, though, are one of the league’s most complete team, looking great on both offense and defense.

They have not won in Arizona since 2001 and never have won in State Farm Stadium.

What will happen this weekend?

Below we have expert picks from the staff at Cards Wire, writers from AZCentral Sports in their Week 5 preview and also Eagles Wire managing editor Glenn Erby.

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Jess Root, Cards Wire

Eagles 31, Cardinals 27

If the Cardinals can get their offense going early and not dig a two-score hole, they have a chance. However, Philly’s offense and defense have both been just too good.

The Philly offense can run, which makes play action effective. Hurts has been steady and the defense has consistently gotten to the quarterback and taken the ball away.

If the Cardinals protect the ball as they have this season and start quickly, they will at least stay competitive. In the end, without Hopkins in the lineup, they will still come up a little short.

Alex Sutton, Cards Wire

Eagles 30, Cardinals 26

This game has always had the feel of a trap for the Eagles, who have one of the easiest schedules in recent memory. They’re riding a high to the point where quarterback Jalen Hurts had to ask himself a question about the Cardinals’ defense, as none of the media were interested in talking about this Sunday’s matchup. The Cardinals may only be 2-2, but they seem to be finding their way and are only buying time for the return of DeAndre Hopkins.

While some are picking the Cardinals for an upset, the injuries sustained this week are very concerning. There are just too many key players listed as questionable in this one and the Eagles roster is very complete. I like the Cards to finally start off hot, but the talent of the Eagles will prove clutch in the end.

Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

Eagles 34, Cardinals 24

I’m tempted to pick Arizona at home, with Philadelphia intensely looking ahead to a showdown with Dallas. Still, the leadership qualities and offensive firepower make it hard to pick against Philadelphia.

Arizona keeps it close, but the Eagles pull away late thanks to their dynamic rushing attack.  Philly wins 34-24.

Bob McManaman, AZCentral Sports

Eagles 24, Cardinals 20

I don’t think it will be a high-scoring affair. They let the Cardinals stay around, but only because the Cardinals have to climb back in it.

Kent Somers, AZCentral Sports

Eagles 24, Cardinals 17

I get this gnawing feeling, like this gut feeling, that I should pick the Cardinals, that the Eagles are due for a clunker and that they’re going to lose. And then I start looking at stats and lineups and how they’ve played, and I thought, “you’re an idiot, Somers. What are you thinking?” I’m going to go with my brain. I think it’s going to be low-scoring, too.

Jose Romero, AZCentral Sports

Eagles 27, Cardinals 21

The Cardinals’ defense has done really well the last few weeks keeping the team in the game, at least giving them a chance. They are going to come out and be able to at least hold Philadelphia to some extent.