The Detroit Lions visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 11, 2026, for a Week 5 matchup between teams trying to stabilize uneven starts. Detroit enters at 2-2 after losing two of its past three games, while Arizona is 1-3 and has dropped three straight. Both defenses have struggled recently, setting up a game in which injuries and late possessions could matter more than the teams’ records suggest.
Game Details
- Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET, 1:25 PM MT
- Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- TV: FOX
The kickoff information appears on the NFL schedule, while the Cardinals’ official schedule confirms the venue.
Latest Verified Odds
DraftKings odds reported as of October 6, 2026, at 5:18 AM ET listed Detroit as a 4.5-point favorite at -105. The Lions were -225 on the moneyline, with Arizona at +185, and the total was 54.5 with both sides priced at -110, according to the odds report citing DraftKings via ESPN.
A later VegasInsider listing updated October 9 showed Detroit -5.5 at -110, a Lions moneyline of -265 and a Cardinals moneyline of +215. Its total remained 54.5, with the over at -115 and the under at -105. That movement reinforces Detroit’s status as the favorite, but it also shows why bettors should verify prices before making any decision. NFL odds can change through kickoff and may differ by sportsbook.
Injuries and Player Availability
Arizona will be without guard Isaiah Adams and safety Andrew Wingard. Adams had already been ruled out on the Cardinals’ initial injury report, while later reports listed both players as out.
Defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, dealing with a calf issue, and linebacker Karson Sharar, who has a hamstring injury, were listed as questionable. Running back Jeremiyah Love and defensive back Rabbit Taylor-Demerson were limited earlier in the week, but a final Arizona injury recap listed both as available, along with Budda Baker, Isaac Seumalo, Josh Sweat and Jordan Burch.
Detroit’s unavailable group includes guards Ben Bartch, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, safety Brian Branch, center Cade Mays and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. The NFL’s Week 5 injury report had shown Bartch, Williams and Ya-Sin missing practice, with Branch and Mays limited, before later status updates ruled them out. Those absences reduce Detroit’s depth in the offensive interior and secondary.
Matchup Factors
Neither Defense Brings Much Recent Comfort
Detroit ranks 31st and Arizona 29th in points allowed, according to SportsInsider. Recent results tell a similar story. Over their past three games, the Lions averaged 29.3 points but allowed 32.3 per game. Arizona averaged 20.3 while surrendering 34.3, according to LeagueStation. Detroit appears better equipped for a high-scoring game, but its defense has not consistently created separation.
Detroit Has Yet to Win on the Road
The Lions are 2-0 at home and 0-2 away, as shown in the team standings. Arizona’s 1-3 record and minus-30 scoring margin through four games explain why the Cardinals are home underdogs, but Detroit’s road results make a comfortable win harder to assume.
Interior Protection and Secondary Depth
Adams’ absence weakens Arizona’s offensive line, while Bartch and Mays being unavailable creates similar concerns for Detroit. Both teams are also missing defensive backs, with Wingard out for Arizona and Branch and Ya-Sin sidelined for the Lions. In a matchup carrying a total of 54.5, the team that protects its quarterback and avoids coverage breakdowns should have the clearest advantage.
Prediction
Prediction: Lions to win; Cardinals to cover at +5.5.
Detroit has the stronger recent scoring output and should be able to exploit an Arizona defense that has allowed at least 31 points in each of its past three games. The Lions are the more convincing straight-up choice, but their own defensive problems, road record and missing secondary pieces make the larger spread less appealing. A competitive Detroit victory is the preferred outcome.
The strongest reason this prediction could be wrong is Arizona’s inability to slow opponents. If Detroit’s offense again reaches the scoring range it has produced recently, the Cardinals may not have enough firepower to stay within one possession.
