In a matchup of two NFC teams that don’t have much to play for anymore, the Arizona Cardinals (4-11) will go on the road to face Desmond Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons (5-10) on New Year’s Day.
Both of these teams are out of playoff contention and will essentially be playing for pride at this point, or potentially a better pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
On a more positive note, veteran quarterback Colt McCoy is expected to return for Arizona after missing Week 16 with a concussion. Trace McSorely, who turned the ball over three times in a Christmas Day overtime loss to the Buccaneers, will serve as his backup.
Continue reading for my Arizona vs Atlanta best bets and predictions for this Week 17 showdown.
Cardinals vs Falcons Odds
As of Tuesday evening, the bookmakers have the Falcons as slight home favorites. Atlanta is projected to win this one by 3.5 points, and this line has already moved half a point from this morning.
Take a look at the best Cardinals odds and Falcons odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Cardinals vs Falcons Implied Totals
Falcons 22.5, Cardinals 18.5
Oddsmakers are expecting this one to be very close, with the Cardinals having a decent chance of winning it outright.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this line move even closer towards a pick’em by the time kickoff comes around.
Cardinals vs Falcons Pick of the Day
Read more on this Cardinals vs Falcons bet below.
Cardinals vs Falcons Prediction
Cardinals 23, Falcons 20
I’m predicting this will be a tight matchup, despite the fact that both teams have nothing to play for.
Ridder will need to do everything he can over the next few weeks to show Atlanta that he can compete for the starting quarterback role for the foreseeable future. I expect him to lean on rookie Drake London and get his first career NFL passing touchdown this week.
As for the Cardinals, I’m expecting McCoy to have his way with this weak Falcons defense. With weapons like DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown, he could easily end up with 200-plus passing yards and multiple passing touchdowns.
Both of these defenses have struggled this year, and while neither offense is doing great, both have some weapons. The Falcons have a solid group of running backs with veteran Cordarrelle Patterson and rookie Tyler Allgeier, both of whom will have a role this week.
In the end, I’m expecting the Cardinals will find a way to win on the road and pull off the small upset.
Cardinals vs Falcons Bet Tips
Here are a few Cardinals vs Falcons betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- The Over is 5-1 in Arizona’s last six games against NFC opponents.
- The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against opponents with a losing record.
- The Over has hit in the last four matchups between these two teams.
Cardinals vs Falcons Best Bets
Over 41 Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
With the total is set at 41 points, I’m backing the trends mentioned above and taking the Over.
McCoy gives the Cardinals an offensive lift at the most important position, and Atlanta’s offense should continue to get more comfortable with Ridder under center.
This is a clash of paces, but we should see some points on a fast track.
Want to bet on the Falcons? Check out the best U.S. sportsbooks!
Cardinals Moneyline (+158) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
The safe bet in this one would be to take the Cardinals to cover the spread, especially since they’re catching three and the hook. However, I’ll be putting 0.5 units on Arizona to win this one outright.
The Falcons have lost their last four games, while the Cardinals have lost their last five. I’m expecting the Cardinals to win on the road and break their losing streak this week.
At plus-money odds, this pick offers some solid value.
Want to bet on the Cardinals? Check out the best AZ sportsbooks!
Cardinals vs Falcons Props
Check out the best Cardinals vs Falcons player prop bets this week with our props comparison tool. Click on “Show More Games" below to find the Arizona vs Atlanta game and see all of its prop bets.
