The Jalen Hurts era is officially underway for the Philadelphia Eagles, who try to avoid the dreaded letdown spot when visiting the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15 of the NFL season.
The rookie quarterback helped Philadelphia stun the New Orleans Saints last Sunday, and now the Eagles are 6.5-point NFL betting underdogs on the road in Arizona. The Cardinals are fresh off a win over another NFC East opponent, snapping a three-game slide with a road victory over the New York Giants in Week 14.
These are our NFL free picks and predictions for Eagles vs. Cardinals on December 20.
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview
Weather
This game will be played indoors at State Farm Stadium. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions for other matchups with our NFL weather info.
Key Injuries
Eagles: Alshon Jeffery WR (Out), Avonte Maddox CB (Out), Rodney McLeod S (Out), Darius Slay CB (Out).
Cardinals: Justin Pugh G (Out), Zane Gonzalez K (Out), Johnathan Joseph CB (Out), Kylie Fitts LB (Out), Jordan Phillps DE (Out), Jalen Thompson S (Out).
Find our latest NFL injury reports.
Betting Trend to Know
The Over is 19-9 in Eagles’ last 28 games in December. Find more NFL betting trends for Eagles vs. Cardinals.
Against the Spread (ATS) Pick
How much weight should we put into Hurts’ performances so far?
His passing, as expected, isn’t glowing, completing just 17 of 30 throws for 167 yards and a touchdown versus the Saints. However, that did come against one of the best defenses in the league and what’s more important, he didn’t throw an interception.
On the ground, the former Oklahoma/Alabama standout scrambled for 106 yards on 18 carries but showed his rookie stripes with an ill-timed fumble late in the game that could have come back to bite Philly.
Hurts and the Eagles face another solid stop unit in Arizona, with the Cardinals coming off a dominant defensive performance against the Giants and heading into Week 15 ranked ninth in defensive DVOA at Football Outsiders.
The Cardinals went crazy on the pass rush, recording eight sacks and five forced fumbles versus New York. On the season, Arizona has 37 sacks (sixth-most) and while the G-Men stink at protection – giving up 41 sacks (third-most) – no team in football has allowed its QB to get killed more than Philly, which has given up 53 sacks on the season.
“Hurts” may not just be the name on the back of the jersey, but also describe what his first pro road start will feel like after the Cardinals have their way.
PREDICTION: Arizona -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under Pick
This total is on the way up, opening at 47.5 and climbing two points to 49.5 points. As much as we’ve picked apart Hurts above, his ability to keep the chains moving with his legs works for those backing the Over.
Arizona has struggled to contain dual-threat QBs this season, allowing 316 total yards rushing to opposing quarterbacks (sixth-most in the NFL). The Cardinals have clashed with some of the more fleet-footed QBs in the game, and that additional pass pressure could have Hurts running for his life and adding significant ground gains.
As for the Cardinals offense, quarterback Kyler Murray continues to battle through a bum shoulder and collected 291 total yards of offense against an underrated New York defense. On top of a much-needed win for the Cards, there were some encouraging signs in that performance for the fellow former Oklahoma star.
Murray topped 200 yards passing for the first time since Week 11 and his accuracy and yards per completion both saw an uptick, indicating that the second-year passer could be recovering from what was reportedly a sprained AC joint. That’s bad news for Philadelphia, which enters the weekend with a depleted secondary (out two starting defensive backs and possibly a third).
Arizona averages more than 30 points per home game – near a 5-point jump in production compared to road outings. The passing game powers that, with improved performance inside State Farm Field. The Eagles allow an average of more than 27 points per game in the role of visitors and have gone 19-8 Over/Under in the franchise’s last 27 games as a road underdog.
PREDICTION: Over 49.5 (-110)
Player Prop Pick
We couldn’t talk about the Cardinals’ passing game without mentioning WR DeAndre Hopkins.
Arizona’s huge offseason acquisition has been outstanding in his first year in the desert, most recently a 136-yard effort in East Rutherford last weekend. Hopkins has 1,155 yards receiving but just five touchdowns on the season (doesn’t it seem like he should have more?) with only one TD in the past four games.
The Eagles have struggled to contain No. 1 wide receivers this season, ranked 30th in defensive DVOA versus that elite role. Philadelphia has been burned for over 58 yards per game from top WRs, including 84 yards on eight catches from Saints’ top target Michael Thomas in Week 14.
Not only do we like D-Hop to find the end zone versus Philly at home but we’re taking the Over in his receiving yards facing a thin pass defense this Sunday.
PREDICTION: DeAndre Hopkins TD scorer (-116) + Over 79.5 receiving yards (-118)
Eagles vs Cardinals Betting Card
- Arizona -6.5 (-110)
- Over 49.5 (-110)
- DeAndre Hopkins TD scorer (-116) + Over 79.5 receiving yards (-118)
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