Arizona Cardinals (3-12) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4)
Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles 12/31/23 – As the NFL season marches towards its climactic close, the Week 17 showdown between the struggling Arizona Cardinals and the soaring Philadelphia Eagles is set to captivate audiences. The Cardinals, with a disappointing 3-12 record, face an uphill battle against the formidable 11-4 Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Scheduled for Sunday, this game is a litmus test for both teams. Fans and bettors alike, seeking elite NFL free picks, will find this matchup a critical juncture in the season’s narrative.
The Cardinals’ offensive strategy heavily relies on their rushing and receiving capabilities. James Conner has proven himself an outstanding force in the backfield with 762 rushing yards and five touchdowns over 11 games for Arizona. Marquise Brown has proven a valuable target, amassing 574 receiving yards and four touchdowns while offering agility and speed that Arizona must utilize against Philadelphia Eagles’ defense.
On the other side of things, Philadelphia Eagles possess an aggressive offensive front. D’Andre Swift has led their ground game with 896 rushing yards and four touchdowns while his vision and quick cuts have made him a tough matchup for any defensive lineman. A.J. Brown is an impressive receiver having amassed 1314 receiving yards and seven touchdowns so far this season alone; his physicality combined with ability to make contested catches is key component in Philadelphia’s aerial attack.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles 12/31/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 31, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Lincoln Financial Field |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Joshua Dobbs QB vs. Jalen Hurts QB
Joshua Dobbs has mightily struggled in his first extended action as an NFL starting quarterback. Taking over midseason, he has completed just 62.8% of his passes and tossed more interceptions (5) than touchdowns (8). His meager 5.9 yards per attempt ranks last among qualifiers, showcasing an inability to stretch the field or challenge defenses vertically. Dobbs lacks the pedigree of being a highly touted prospect, going in the 4th round of the 2017 draft. He does not have the athleticism or arm talent to compensate for suspect decision making and accuracy issues. Ultimately, physical limitations cap his ceiling as a starting QB.
Jalen Hurts remains firmly in the NFL MVP discussion with his superb dual-threat production guiding Philadelphia’s NFC-best 11-4 record. He has terrorized opposing defenses both through the air and on the ground, accounting for 3,335 total yards and 19 touchdowns combined passing and rushing. His athleticism allows him to evade sacks and prolong plays while offering a constant threat to take off as a runner. Hurts can dissect teams from the pocket just as easily as he can burn them for chunks yards with his legs, posing an impossible conundrum for defensive coordinators.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Philadelphia Eagles -165, Total Odds: 39
The betting odds lean towards the Eagles, given their superior record and performance this season. The spread favors Philadelphia at -3, reflecting their home advantage and consistent form. The total points over/under is set at 39, a testament to the expected defensive strengths and offensive strategies of both teams.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
The Cardinals are just 4-8 against the spread (ATS) this season and have gone under in 4 of their last 5 matchups. Arizona has particularly struggled versus NFC East foes, going 1-4 ATS and 1-10 straight up in their last 11 games against the division. When playing on the road, the Cards are an awful 5-11 straight up in their previous 16 away contests.
Philadelphia Eagles Betting Trends
Riding a 1-4 in their last 5 games, Philadelphia has caught fire down the stretch. The Eagles are 6-1 ATS over their last 7 games and have gone under the total in 6 of their previous 8. At home, Philly has dominated visitors with a 15-2 straight up record hosting opponents the past 2 seasons.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles 12/31/23 Betting Picks
Analyzing the data, the Philadelphia Eagles appear to be the safer bet. Their strong overall and home ATS record, combined with their balanced offense and solid defense, make them a formidable opponent for the struggling Cardinals. However, the unpredictable nature of the NFL means that surprises are always possible, and Arizona could leverage their rushing and receiving strengths to cover the spread.
In terms of prop bets and over/under, the under seems like a viable option given both teams’ recent trends towards low-scoring games. The Eagles, with their superior record and consistent performance, are the better pick for a straight win. However, bettors looking for top premium picks should closely monitor the injury reports and weather conditions as game day approaches, as these factors could significantly impact the game’s outcome.
Free Pick and Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles 22, Arizona Cardinals 15