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Game Preview Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons
The Arizona Cardinals visit the Atlanta Falcons in a Week 16 NFC showdown on December 21. While both teams are unlikely playoff contenders at this stage, this matchup presents unique value for bettors, with Atlanta trying to close strong at home and Arizona evaluating its core for the future.
This late-season battle offers key opportunities in side and total markets. Bettors tracking recent performance and motivation will find intriguing edges in this matchup.
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Odds and Key Information
- Spread: Falcons -4
- Total: 40.5
- Moneyline: Cardinals +165, Falcons -190
- Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
The Falcons are favored at home, largely due to stronger in-game metrics and the Cardinals’ road struggles. For full odds tracking and betting signals, visit the NFL expert betting guide.
Arizona Cardinals Outlook
The Arizona Cardinals enter at 4-10 and have shown flashes of offensive potential since Kyler Murray’s return. Murray’s mobility has added needed spark to an offense that still lacks depth at receiver. Running back James Conner remains a physical presence, and rookie tight end Trey McBride has been a bright spot.
Defensively, Arizona continues to rank near the bottom of the league in pressure rate and third-down conversion allowed. They’ve struggled in the red zone, giving up points on over 65% of opponent drives. On the road, they’re allowing 26.8 points per game.
The Cardinals are still fighting, but talent gaps on both lines have made it difficult to string together consistent performances. Their betting record reflects this, with inconsistent ATS results, covered in the NFL picks archive.
Atlanta Falcons Outlook
The Atlanta Falcons sit at 6-8 and have leaned heavily on the run game behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Quarterback play has been volatile, with Desmond Ridder showing improvement but still prone to turnovers under pressure.
Atlanta’s offensive line remains a strength, paving the way for a top-10 rushing attack. Defensively, they’re average statistically but have been more effective at home, allowing just 18.7 points per game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Falcons still have mathematical playoff hopes and could be in line to cover another home game if they start strong. For more on Atlanta’s playoff projections and prop market value, explore the NFL underdogs blog and team performance archives.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Matchup | Edge |
|---|---|
| Quarterback Play | Cardinals |
| Run Game Efficiency | Falcons |
| Offensive Line Strength | Falcons |
| Defensive Red Zone Stops | Falcons |
| Explosive Plays (20+ yards) | Cardinals |
Betting Trends
The Arizona Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games and just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 overall. They’ve hit the over in four of their last six when playing indoors.
The Atlanta Falcons are 4-2 ATS in their last six home games and 3-1 ATS in their last four when favored by four points or more. They’ve gone under the total in five of their last seven.
Bettors can find more on total trends and matchup metrics in the NFL Week 16 predictions blog, which includes projections for all Sunday matchups.
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Prediction
Atlanta has the edge in the trenches, especially with their rushing attack against Arizona’s vulnerable front seven. The Cardinals will look to stay competitive through Murray’s improvisation, but consistent stops will be hard to come by defensively.
If the Falcons avoid turnovers and win early downs, they should control tempo and time of possession. Arizona’s best chance will be to create explosive plays and force Atlanta into long third downs. However, at home and with more to play for, Atlanta is the safer pick.
Projected Score: Falcons 23, Cardinals 17
Spread Pick: Falcons -4
Total Lean: Under 40.5
More game previews like this one are available in our Sunday Night Football predictions blog.
Why You Need Expert Picks
This matchup between two non-elite teams creates value opportunities often missed by the public. Our NFL picks section features sharp-driven insights and consensus best bets.
To follow consistent winners, use the Handicappers Leaderboard and monitor success rates in different markets. Want more edge? Dive into our features on NFL MVP odds, best NFL parlays, and coaches on the hot seat.
