Cardinals vs. Lions Week 15 Picks: Can Arizona Cover Massive Spread?
The Arizona Cardinals are coming off of a bad loss, but can they turn things around on the road against Detroit? We'll discuss in our Cardinals-Lions picks.
Last week, the Detroit Lions could not keep up with the Denver Broncos. Detroit (8-5 against the spread) is playing with urgency, but the results remain lackluster due to the lack of talent on the roster. They struggle offensively despite investing in the offensive line and injuries at running back have hurt them as well.
The Arizona Cardinals (9-4 ATS) lost to the L.A. Rams last week, but they still have an incredibly talented team. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray is electric and the Cardinals have one of the best records in the NFL.
The Lions are playing for pride, but is that enough to cover the spread?
Here are my picks and predictions for the NFL Week 15 matchup between the Cardinals and the Lions. (Odds via FanDuel; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale).
Cardinals vs. Lions Game Info
Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. ETTV: FOXLocation: Ford Field, Detroit, MIWeather: Indoor
Cardinals vs. Lions Odds Analysis
The Cardinals are favored by 13.5 points this weekend. This is one of the largest spreads of the NFL season, but it is clear to see why. The Cardinals are looking to bounce back after a Monday Night Football loss, and MNF teams have a solid history of bouncing back this year. Also, the Lions lost by 28 points last week.
The total line opened at 47.5 and it has remained steady. Both sides of the bet include -110 odds, so there is no leaning on either side. At this point, it comes down to whether or not you think the Lions can keep up offensively.
Cardinals vs. Lions Picks
Cardinals -13.5 (-106) ?Over 47.5 (-110) ???
SEE ALSO: Washington vs. Eagles Week 15 Picks
Cardinals vs. Lions Predictions
Cardinals -13.5 (-106)
With COVID-19 tests returning positive every day, it is hard to bet either side of a game. At any point, a star player could be out of a game and that could change the odds drastically.
Still, the Cardinals have one of the best offenses in the NFL. They can run with two backs and they have weapons on the outside.
The loss against the Rams was worrisome, but that came down to offensive line play. They could not handle the talented defensive front of the Rams. In this game, they will have an easier challenge and Murray should have plenty of time to make a play.
This is one of the most lopsided matchups of the season, but the Cardinals are too good to bet against. They will win with ease and they should be able to win by a couple of touchdowns if they stay focused against the Lions.
I don't like double-digit spreads because so much can go wrong, but I don't see the Lions keeping this one close. The gap in talent is too much to overcome.
Over 47.5 (-110)
The Cardinals won't use all of their tricks in this game, but they are still an explosive offense. They are getting healthier at running back and now have options, and that will add depth to the playbook.
Detroit may score a couple of touchdowns and that will help the Over hit. However, this mostly comes down to Detroit's inability to slow down Murray’s attack. There is a great chance that Arizona puts up 40 on its own.
Detroit usually hits the Under, but they are playing for less and less as the season comes to a close. Pride won't be enough for the Lions this weekend against one of the best offenses in the NFL.
I'm more confident on this than the spread, but I like Arizona to blow out the Lions this Sunday.
SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.
Cardinals-Lions picks made 12/15/2021 at 11:30 a.m. ET
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