Cincinnati Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals Picks and Predictions December 28th 2025

Cincinnati Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview

Cincinnati and Arizona meet Sunday in a matchup shaped by injuries, depth evaluations and long-term development. The Bengals enter 5-10 after producing their best outing of the season in a 45-21 win at Miami. Cincinnati scored 35 straight points and rediscovered balance on both sides of the ball. The Bengals lead the NFL with 11 takeaways since Week 12 and continue to build confidence through contributions from young defensive players.

Arizona enters 3-12 after a 26-19 loss to Atlanta, their seventh straight defeat. Injuries continue to shape their season. The defensive front lost Walter Nolen III for the year, and multiple starters across the secondary and offensive line remain limited or unavailable. Jacoby Brissett played through pressure and inconsistency last week, while tight end Trey McBride continues to approach several franchise and NFL records.

Both teams have been hit hard by attrition. Cincinnati rides momentum into its final home game, while Arizona searches for clarity amid a depleted roster.

Explore more Week 17 previews inside the NFL previews section.

Line Movement and Odds

Cincinnati opened -6 and has risen to -6.5 as early money backed their offensive rhythm and takeaway surge. Arizona sits +6.5 with interest tied to McBride’s central role and potential backdoor volatility.

The total opened 43 and has drifted to 43.5. Scoring projections hinge on turnover opportunities and explosive-yardage variance.

Track live adjustments through the NFL odds board.

Matchup Breakdown

Cincinnati’s defensive resurgence has reshaped their identity over the past month. The Bengals have forced 11 takeaways since Week 12, and improvement from young starters has expanded their rotational depth. On offense, Joe Burrow reached career milestones last week and continues to build timing with Ja’Marr Chase, who surpassed 500 career receptions. McCaffrey-like consistency from Chase keeps the Bengals balanced even with key injuries.

Arizona continues to compete despite heavy personnel losses. Brissett offers stability in structure, but the offensive line’s health limits their ability to sustain drives. McBride remains the focal point and enters the game nearing multiple single-season records for tight ends. Defensively, injuries to Nolen and Garrett Williams weaken their interior and coverage foundation, placing added pressure on the secondary.

View additional projections and betting splits inside the updated NFL picks section.

Key Information

Sport: NFL
Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals
Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Broadcast: CBS

Betting Odds (Projected Consensus)

Bengals Moneyline: -275
Cardinals Moneyline: +220
Bengals Spread: -6.5 (-110)
Cardinals Spread: +6.5 (-110)
Total: 43.5 (O/U -110)

The Bengals Can Win If…

Cincinnati sustains defensive pressure and capitalizes on takeaways. Their recent improvement has been anchored by turnover creation, and Brissett’s pocket rhythm gives the Bengals opportunities to force mistakes. Burrow’s timing with Chase remains the offensive foundation, and efficient sequencing early can build separation. Cincinnati’s path leans on field control and extending drives through variance-free possessions.

Bengals Injury Report (Projected)

Joseph Ossai, ankle, questionable
Charlie Jones, ankle, questionable
Cam Grandy, chest, out
Noah Fant, ankle, questionable
Matt Lee, knee, questionable

Depth chart updates available on the Bengals team page.

The Cardinals Can Win If…

Arizona stabilizes protection and leans on McBride to create manageable passing windows. Brissett operates best through timing and structure, and sustained drives reduce exposure to Cincinnati’s opportunistic defense. MCbride’s volume demands defensive adjustment, creating openings for secondary receivers. Defensively, Arizona must limit big plays after allowing multiple explosive sequences against Atlanta. Their path requires red-zone efficiency and clean possessions.

Cardinals Injury Report (Projected)

Walter Nolen III, knee, out
Garrett Williams, Achilles, out
Josh Sweat, ankle, questionable
Hjalte Froholdt, elbow, questionable
Budda Baker, concussion evaluation, questionable
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, concussion evaluation, questionable
Evan Brown, personal, out
Kei’Trel Clark, back, questionable
Paris Johnson Jr., knee, questionable
Marvin Harrison Jr., heel, questionable
Jalen Thompson, hamstring, questionable
Will Johnson, thumb/chest, questionable
Max Melton, heel, questionable
Darren Hall, concussion, questionable

Latest Betting Trends (Modeled)

Bengals SU last 5 games: 2-3
Bengals O/U last 6: 4-2
Cardinals SU last 7 games: 0-7
Cardinals ATS last 6 road games: 1-5
Bengals takeaways since Week 12: 11 (NFL-best)
Cardinals O/U last 5 games: 3-2

Learn more trend applications inside the Expert Betting Guide.

Best Bets and Prediction

Cincinnati’s defensive surge and offensive stability give them a clear edge at home. Arizona’s injuries limit their scoring consistency, and their offensive line concerns create exposure against Cincinnati’s improving front.

Projected Score: Bengals 27, Cardinals 20
Best Bet: Bengals -6.5
Secondary Lean: Over 43.5

Compare expert accuracy metrics on the SAS Leaderboard and check premium releases on Buy Picks.