Will Saints Offense Continue to Dry up in the Desert?
The first 11 games of the regular season saw the New Orleans Saints average 30.6 points per game. Their past two games have been a far cry from that, however, as they’ve recorded just 12 points per game in losses to the Lions and Bucs. The low outputs on offense undoubtedly led to two consecutive UNDERs, and with a high total of 50 points set for their game this week in Arizona, another UNDER might be in the cards.
Going back to last season, the UNDER has been a money bet in Saints' road games as it’s hit in seven of their last nine games outside of New Orleans. If the total stays intact at 50 points, it’ll be their 11th straight road game with a total of 50 points or more. The UNDER has also been the direction to put your money in for Cardinals’ home games, as it’s hit in five of their last seven games at University of Phoenix Stadium. This is a trend that’s carried over from last season as Arizona has gone UNDER the number in 10 of its last 13 home games.
The Cards will enter the game as the favorite, which has been a very unreliable spot for bettors as they’ve gone just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite. The Saints’ loss in Tampa last week was their first ATS loss as a road underdog in their last seven games in that spot, but they’ve been a team to back when getting points on the road as they’ve gone 11-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a road dog.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to back the visiting New Orleans Saints in this one found them as 2.5-point underdogs earlier in the week, while the total was settling in the neighborhood of 50 at shops such as Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas picked a 26-24 win for the Cardinals. Injuries during the week may cause the formula to be re-run, so check the NFL picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.
New Orleans Saints vs Arizona Cardinals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Arizona Cardinals sit at 5-7-1 (4-9 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the New Orleans Saints are currently 5-8 (7-5-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the totals? Arizona is 7-5-1 OU, and New Orleans is 6-7 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Arizona vs New Orleans injuries news.
The Odds Shark Power Rankings have the Arizona Cardinals at No. 16 and the New Orleans Saints at No. 5 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Arizona's No. 15-ranked offense, averaging 23 PPG, against a Saints defense that ranks No. 30 this week at 27 PPG. The Cardinals aerial game is averaging 251.46 yards per game, less than the Saints secondary allows through the air, 268.31 YPG per game.
Defensively, the New Orleans Saints feature the league's No. 1-rated road run defense, allowing 71.4 yards per game. The Arizona Cardinals, meanwhile, ranks No. 13 in rushing offense at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last game, the Saints were Week 14 losers coming out on the wrong end of 16-11 score against Tampa Bay.
The Cardinals's last action saw them get a 2-TD performance from Carson Palmer, but they were handed a 26-23 loss by Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.
Next Betting Matchups
New Orleans home to Tampa Bay, Saturday, December 24th
Arizona at Seattle, Saturday, December 24th