Clinging to the final playoff spot in the NFC, the Arizona Cardinals host a key divisional matchup against the injury-riddled San Francisco 49ers in a Boxing Day matchup. The Cardinals (8-6 SU, 7-7 ATS) beat a healthy 49ers team (5-9 SU, 5-9 ATS) 24-20 way back in Week 1.
- Date/Time: December 26, 4:30 p.m. ET
- Stadium: State Farm Stadium
- TV Coverage: Amazon Prime Video
- Sportsbook Odds: Cardinals -2.5 | O/U 50 (Line History)
- 49ers vs Cardinals Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The game opened with the Cardinals as favorites at -2.5 and that line has moved up slightly to -3.5 across the board. The total opened at 50 and has moved down to between 48.5 and 49.5 depending on the sportsbook.
San Francisco News & Notes
It has been a season filled with injuries for the Niners, who start Nick Mullens at quarterback this week for the ninth time this year. Mullens is 2-6 in his eight previous starts with 12 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 64.3 percent completion rate.
While Mullens has been mediocre at best for San Francisco, rookie receiver Brandon Aiyuk has enjoyed a breakout season. With injuries to many of the team’s top weapons, Aiyuk has emerged as the go-to option, posting 59 receptions for 733 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. Aiyuk will be a popular DFS play this week.
On defense the Niners have been solid despite their injuries. San Francisco ranks fifth in yards per play and total yards allowed. The Niners are particularly good against the pass, allowing the fourth-fewest yards through the air.
Arizona News & Notes
Heading into Week 16, Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals are hoping to find a playoff berth under their 2020 Christmas tree. The Cards currently hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC and face back-to-back divisional games (Week 17 at L.A. Rams) to close out the year.
We know how explosive the Cardinals offense can be, but the encouraging news for Cardinals fans is the team seems to have found a pass rush. The Cardinals rank fourth in the league in pressure percentage, third in overall QB pressures and 10th in hurry percentage. The Arizona pass rush was dominant in a Week 15 win over Philadelphia, sacking uber-mobile Eagles QB Jalen Hurts six times.
On offense, look for DeAndre Hopkins to continue his All-Pro-level play. Hopkins has 103 receptions for 1,324 yards and six touchdowns with two games to go.
Betting Pick: Cardinals -2.5
The Cardinals have a ton to play for, are the home team and have a defense improving by the week. It is hard to beat a divisional opponent twice in the same season, but winning by a field goal should not be too hard for the Cards.
- The total has gone OVER in the Cardinals’ last 5 games at home.
- The 49ers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as road underdogs.
- The Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as home favorites.
