New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/15/2024 4:25 PM EST
We have your New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New England Patriots hit the road to face the Arizona Cardinals.
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: New England Patriots +225 (bet365) / Arizona Cardinals -260 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: -6.5 - New England Patriots -112 (BetRivers) / Arizona Cardinals -109 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 46.5 - Under -115 (ESPN BET) / 45.5 - Over -110 (BetMGM)
Game Info
Date: 12/15/2024
Time: 4:25 PM EST
Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, AZ)
TV: CBS
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
In the past three seasons, the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals have faced each other once, with the Patriots emerging victorious. This matchup took place on December 12, 2022, where the visiting Patriots defeated the home team Cardinals. In this game, the Patriots also managed to cover the spread, while the Cardinals did not. The game resulted in a total score of 40 points, which fell under the closing over-under line of 44.5, marking the only instance in this period where the game went under. The Patriots were favored in this matchup, as indicated by their moneyline of -136 compared to the Cardinals' +116.
The most recent game between these two teams saw the New England Patriots secure a 27-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The scoring began in the second quarter, with the Cardinals taking an early lead through a 33-yard field goal by Matt Prater. However, the Patriots responded with a 14-yard rushing touchdown by Kevin Harris, followed by a successful extra point by Nick Folk. The Cardinals briefly regained the lead with a 10-yard rushing touchdown by James Conner, but the Patriots closed the first half with a 51-yard field goal by Folk, bringing the score to 13-10 in favor of Arizona. In the second half, the Patriots dominated, with Folk tying the game with a 23-yard field goal and Raekwon McMillan scoring on a 23-yard fumble return. Pierre Strong Jr. sealed the victory with a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Key statistics from this game highlight the Patriots' ability to capitalize on turnovers, as they recovered a fumble for a touchdown and intercepted the Cardinals once. The Patriots recorded 328 total yards and 18 first downs, while the Cardinals managed 323 total yards and 19 first downs. Both teams struggled with turnovers, with the Patriots committing one interception and the Cardinals two turnovers, including one fumble. The Patriots' defense was particularly effective, recording six sacks against the Cardinals' offense. Despite the Cardinals having a longer time of possession, the Patriots' efficient scoring and defensive plays secured their victory.
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals Preview
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to host the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. After a promising start to the season, the Cardinals have hit a rough patch, losing three consecutive games since their Week 11 bye. This skid has seen them fall from the top of the NFC West to a tie for last place with the San Francisco 49ers, both holding a 6-7 record. The Cardinals' playoff hopes have dwindled significantly, with ESPN Analytics giving them just an 11% chance of making the postseason. Despite the challenges, head coach Jonathan Gannon remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and adjustments to get the team back on track.
Quarterback Kyler Murray, who has been in a mini-slump with back-to-back games of two interceptions, will be crucial in leading the Cardinals' resurgence. Murray's decision-making, which was nearly flawless earlier in the season, needs to return to form for Arizona to have a fighting chance. The Cardinals' defense, led by the relentless Budda Baker, will also play a pivotal role. Baker's standout performance against the Seahawks, where he recorded 18 tackles, underscores his importance to the team.
On the other side, the New England Patriots are coming off a bye week, sitting at 3-10 and eyeing a potential top draft pick. Despite their struggles, the Patriots have shown competitiveness, and their recent games have been closely contested. The Patriots' defense, which managed to sack the Cardinals six times in their last meeting, will look to replicate that success. With the Patriots having a historical edge in their head-to-head matchups, winning the last three encounters, they will aim to extend their streak against a Cardinals team desperate for a win.
This matchup is critical for both teams, albeit for different reasons. The Cardinals are fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while the Patriots are looking to build momentum and evaluate their roster for the future. As the Cardinals aim to stop their losing streak, they will need to capitalize on their home-field advantage and execute a more disciplined game plan to overcome the resilient Patriots.
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals Pick: Arizona Cardinals Moneyline
The Arizona Cardinals, despite their recent struggles, are poised to secure a victory against the New England Patriots in their upcoming matchup. The Cardinals have faced a challenging stretch, losing three consecutive games since their Week 11 bye, which has significantly impacted their playoff aspirations. However, this game presents an opportunity for them to regain momentum and keep their slim postseason hopes alive.
One of the key factors favoring the Cardinals is their home-field advantage. Historically, the Cardinals have performed well at home, covering the spread in all but one home game this season. This trend suggests that they are more comfortable and effective when playing in front of their home crowd, which could be a decisive factor against the Patriots.
Quarterback Kyler Murray, despite his recent mini-slump, remains a pivotal player for the Cardinals. His ability to make big plays and lead the offense will be crucial in overcoming the Patriots' defense. Murray's performance at home has generally been stronger, and with a healthy receiving corps, he is well-positioned to bounce back from his recent interceptions and guide the Cardinals to victory.
Defensively, the Cardinals have shown resilience, with standout performances from players like Budda Baker, who recorded 18 tackles against the Seahawks. The defense's ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers will be essential in disrupting the Patriots' offensive rhythm.
While the Patriots have shown competitiveness in recent games, they are coming off a bye week with a 3-10 record and are more focused on evaluating their roster for future prospects. Their historical edge in head-to-head matchups against the Cardinals may not be enough to overcome the Cardinals' determination to end their losing streak and capitalize on their home advantage.
The combination of home-field advantage, a motivated Kyler Murray, and a resilient defense makes the Arizona Cardinals the favored pick to win this matchup against the New England Patriots. The Cardinals are in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive, and this urgency is likely to propel them to a much-needed victory.
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals Top Player Prop Picks
Kyler Murray Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns -110 (BetMGM)
Kyler Murray's recent performances have been marred by interceptions, but his ability to bounce back, especially at home, makes the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns an enticing proposition. Despite the Cardinals' struggles, Murray has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and with a healthy receiving corps, he is well-positioned to exploit a Patriots defense that has been competitive but not impenetrable. The Cardinals' urgency to keep their playoff hopes alive will likely see Murray take more risks, increasing his chances of finding the end zone through the air.
Budda Baker Over 9.5 Total Tackles -120 (FanDuel)
Budda Baker has been a standout performer for the Cardinals' defense, consistently demonstrating his ability to be all over the field. His 18-tackle performance against the Seahawks underscores his relentless energy and leadership. With the Patriots likely to test the Cardinals' defense, Baker's involvement will be crucial. Given his track record and the Cardinals' need to tighten up defensively, betting on Baker to exceed 9.5 total tackles seems a solid choice, as he will be pivotal in both run support and pass coverage.