Arizona Cardinals (10-2) vs. Detroit Lions (1-11-1)
December 19, 2021 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Detroit Lions +13.5 ; Over/Under: 47.5
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The Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals meet Sunday afternoon in a week 15 NFL contest from Ford Field in Detroit. The Cardinals are coming off a matchup versus the Rams. In that one Arizona lost by seven points. As for the Lions, they’re 1-11-1 overall this year and fresh off a loss to the Broncos. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Arizona got off to a nice 7-0 run this year before falling to the Packers to close out October. Arizona went 3-1 over their next four games, losing to the Panthers among wins over the 49ers, Seahawks and Bears.
In the Monday game versus the Rams, Arizona had a 13-13 tie heading into the third quarter but ultimately lost 30-23 despite 10 fourth-quarter points. QB Kyler Murray posted 383 yards with two interceptions.
Over on the Detroit side, it’s been another lost season. The Lions started at 0-8 before forcing a tie against the Steelers on November 14. Since then it’s been a win over the Vikings mixed in with losses to the Browns, Bears and Broncos.
Last weekend versus the Broncos, the Lions were within seven points at halftime but didn’t score from there. Detroit gave up 21 unanswered points after the break in a 38-10 loss. QB Jared Goff put up 215 yards with one TD and one interception.
The Cardinals are 5-1 ATS versus a team with a winning record and 18-6-2 ATS in their last 26 road games. Arizona is 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 on turf.
Meanwhile, Detroit is 6-0 ATS in their last six after an ATS loss and 4-1 ATS in the last five overall. The Lions are 4-1 ATS in the last five versus the NFC.
PICK: I’m going with Arizona in this one. For the most part, the Cardinals have been scoring well and haven’t had much trouble in matchups they should win. In the Monday game the Cardinals fell prey to a couple of bad quarters and two interceptions. The offense ended up with 447 yards, 22 first downs and 8-of-15 on third-down tries, though.
As for Detroit, they had a few bright spots in the blowout loss to Denver, but really couldn’t do much of anything in the second half. I don’t see the Lions getting close here.
