In this article, we will formulate a Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals prediction for this NFL game on Sunday, December 22nd at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 16 matchup.
Carolina Panthers Betting Preview
The Carolina Panthers are 3-11 this season after they lost to Dallas by a score of 30-14 in their last game. Carolina only trailed 10-7 at halftime, but they allowed the first 17 points in the second half in the loss. The Panthers were outgained by a total of 410-235, lost the turnover battle 4-1, and went 3-11 on third down in the game. Bryce Young threw for 219 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Jalen Coker caught four passes for 110 yards and one score in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Panthers lost three games in a row against the Eagles, Buccaneers, and Chiefs. The Carolina offense has scored 17.6 points per game with 186 passing yards and 102.9 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 29.9 points per game this season. Bryce Young has completed 59.8% of his passes for 1,791 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while Chuba Hubbard has rushed for 1,043 yards and eight scores.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview
The Arizona Cardinals are 7-7 this year after they defeated the Patriots by a score of 30-17 in their last game. Arizona led 13-3 at halftime and they scored 17 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Cardinals outgained New England by a total of 395-311, won the turnover battle 1-0, and went 10-15 on third down in the game. Kyler Murray threw for 224 yards on 23 completions, while James Conner rushed for 110 yards and two scores in the win.
Prior to that game, the Cardinals lost three in a row against the Seahawks (twice) and the Vikings. The Arizona offense has scored 22.4 points per game with 209.9 passing yards and 141.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 21.9 points per game this season. Kyler Murray has completed 69% of his passes for 3,086 yards, 15 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while Trey McBride has caught 89 passes for 938 yards this year.
Why the Panthers will beat the Cardinals
- The underdogs have won each of the last four games between the Cardinals and Panthers.
- The Cardinals have lost six of their last seven games as moderate favorites (-3.5 to -7.0 points).
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Panthers’ last six games.
- The Cardinals have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 games as favorites following a home win.
- The Cardinals have lost the first quarter in five of their last six games at Bank of America Stadium against teams that held a losing record.
- The Panthers have scored the first touchdown in six of their last seven games against the Cardinals.
- The Panthers have won the first half in each of their last 10 Sunday games against the Cardinals.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the last six Sunday games at Bank of America Stadium has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Panthers’ last six games at Bank of America Stadium has gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Cardinals’ last eight Sunday games as road favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
Carolina Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Andy Dalton has recorded 262+ passing yards in four of his last five appearances against the Cardinals.
- Tommy Tremble has recorded 15+ receiving yards in each of the Panthers’ last eight December home games.
- Chuba Hubbard has recorded 43+ rushing yards in each of the Panthers’ last 14 games played as underdogs on the East Coast.
- Adam Thielen has scored at least one touchdown in five of his last six appearances with his team as an underdog against NFC West opponents.
- Chuba Hubbard has recorded 72+ rushing and receiving yards in seven of the Panthers’ last eight games as moderate underdogs (+3.5 to +7.0 points).
- Chuba Hubbard has scored the last touchdown in three of the Panthers’ last four games played as underdogs on the East Coast.
- Andy Dalton has thrown two or more touchdowns in each of his last four home appearances in December.
- Andy Dalton has recorded 26+ completions in each of his last four appearances against the Cardinals.
- Heading into Week 16, Raheem Blackshear ranks 2nd in the NFL in kick return yards (705) this season.
Arizona Cardinals Player Prop Facts
- Kyler Murray has recorded 247+ passing yards in each of the Cardinals’ last six games as favorites following a home win.
- Trey McBride has recorded 70+ receiving yards in seven of the Cardinals’ last eight Sunday games.
- Kyler Murray has recorded 26+ rushing yards in seven of his eight previous appearances against NFC South opponents.
- James Conner has scored at least one touchdown in seven of his last eight appearances with the Cardinals as favorites against teams with a losing record.
- James Conner has recorded 113+ rushing and receiving yards in five of the Cardinals’ last six Sunday games as favorites.
- Kyler Murray has thrown three touchdowns in two of his last three road appearances against NFC South opponents.
- Kyler Murray has recorded 21+ completions in each of his last nine appearances on the East Coast.
- Jalen Thompson is just one away from 10 career interceptions.
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 16, the Panthers rank 32nd in the NFL in points allowed per game (29.9) this season.
- Heading into Week 16, the Panthers rank 32nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (173.0) this season.
- Heading into Week 16, the Cardinals rank T2nd in the NFL in Q3 win percentage (57.1) this season.
- Heading into Week 16, the Cardinals rank 30th in the NFL in 4th down percentage (38.5%) this season.
Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction
Arizona was able to snap their three-game losing streak with a win over New England last week, but they will be on the road for this matchup. The Cardinals have been inconsistent on offense this year, but they will face the worst defense in the NFL here. Carolina has played better football over the last six weeks, but they struggled against Dallas in their last game. The Panthers have played the Eagles, Bucs, and Chiefs very tough in the last month and I think they can find success in this game. Take the Panthers and the points at home.