Week 15 NFL Odds - New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals Game Preview

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Both teams were all but eliminated from the playoff race with losses last weekend, ending what had become one of the most disappointing seasons for the Arizona Cardinals. Picked by many to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LI, the Cards never climbed above the .500 mark and must win their remaining three games to finish with a winning season. It’s been equally frustrating for the Saints, who’ve gone into an offensive funk just when the defense starts to figure things out. The teams will play out the string in this Week 15 contest.

This matchup in Week 15 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at 4:05 p.m. ET at University of Phoenix Stadium.

NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
New Orleans Saints +2.5
Arizona Cardinals -2.5
Over/Under 50

Odds Analysis

The Cardinals got the standard field goal and opened as a 3-point home favorite with the line quickly wagered down a half-point. This is one of those games where motivation is a key factor and both teams are lacking it coming off disappointing losses. We may not have a good read on the spread winner, but these clubs are poised for breakout offensive days, giving the over plenty of value.

Injury Report

Max Unger – The leader of the Saints’ offensive line missed Sunday’s game due to a foot injury. The offense again bogged down, particularly the ground attack, which produced just 46 yards. Under constant pressure, Drew Brees tossed three interceptions and the offense failed to score a touchdown.

D.J. Humphries – Arizona’s starting left tackle left the Miami game with a concussion, forcing more shifting along the offensive front. The line is already without former starters Jared Veldheer and Evan Mathis, who were placed on injured reserve earlier this season. The Cards produced just 300 yards of offense against Miami, though the weather likely played a role as well.

Matchup to Watch

It’s not often we see back-to-back shaky efforts from Brees and the Saints offense, but that’s what we’ve gotten. The Saints failed to score a touchdown in their loss to the Bucs and have produced just one score in the past two games. After tossing 30 touchdown passes with eight interceptions in his first 11 games, Brees has gone without a scoring pass while being picked off six times over the last two. Needless to say, the Saints have had their two lowest scoring games of the year with 13 points against Detroit and 11 against the Bucs.

Brees could have a better time when he faces the Cardinals. Arizona lost three key defenders in its loss to the Dolphins with defensive backs Marcus Cooper and Tyvon Branch exiting the game. The Cards also lost linebacker Deone Bucannon to an ankle injury. Ryan Tannehill took advantage of the depleted secondary by throwing three touchdown passes and completing 15 of 20 attempts in the rain-soaked game before exiting with an injury. Safety Tyrann Mathieu is also doubtful as he is considering having surgery on his bum shoulder.

Free ATS Pick

Both teams say they’re coming to work this week and will fight the rest of the season. But the reality is that that year is over for both clubs. It has to be a bit harder for the Cardinals to accept a playoff-less campaign after entering with such lofty expectations. While the Saints weren’t expected to compete this year, it’s still a disappointment as another season for Brees is wasted.

The Cardinals got hit hard with injuries last week and it’s uncertain who is going to suit up on Sunday. The secondary took a big blow with Cooper and Branch exiting and if those guys aren’t available, the passing lanes sure open up for Brees. Just when the Saints get the defense settled a bit and the unit plays well, the offense goes into a slumber. That’s kind of summarizes the year for the Saints. Arizona will have more success in a controlled environment and this game could be a track meet with the over well within reach.

NFL Odds: Cardinals 31, Saints 26

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