Falcons vs. Cardinals Point Spread: NFL Week 16 Odds, Prediction
The Arizona Cardinals host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon in what could be a candidate for most combined passing attempts in an NFL game. Jacoby Brissett has thrown at least 40 passes in six straight games for the 3-11 Cardinals, while Kirk Cousins is coming off 44 pass attempts last week for the 5-9 Falcons.
This matchup features two eliminated teams who had the top two tight end performances last week, something that could keep up as the fantasy playoffs continue. Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts Sr. and Arizona’s Trey McBride combined for 300 receiving yards and five touchdown catches last week, as the veteran QBs on both sides relied on their big receiving targets. Atlanta came out with a 29-28 win at Tampa Bay last Thursday, while Arizona fell 40-20 at Houston.
Kickoff at State Farm Stadium is set for 4:05 p.m. EST, with Atlanta entering as a -140 moneyline favourite on the road and the over-under at 47.5 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Cardinals home field advantage is non-existent this season, with Arizona sitting at 1-6 both outright and against the spread at home in 2026. But Atlanta could be the bounce-back game as the Cardinals are a perfect 5-0 their last five times hosting the Falcons. Atlanta comes in with an 0-5 record ATS in their last five matchups with an NFC West opponent. Five of the last six Falcons–Cardinals contests have finished over the total as well.
Both teams coming into Sunday with their trends favouring the over. Five straight Arizona home games have finished over the total, and six of Arizona’s last seven games have gone over. Arizona leads the NFL with 39.2 pass attempts per game, and Atlanta ranks in the top five in passing attempts over the last three weeks with 35.7 per game.
Atlanta Falcons
At 37 years old, Kirk Cousins is still producing in the NFL. The veteran pivot completed 30 of his 44 pass attempts last week for 373 yards and three scores, ending in a walk-off field goal for the Falcons. It’s too little too late for the 5-9 Falcons, but it raises the question as to whether Cousins would’ve been the better option at QB to start the season now having a full two years since his Achilles tear. Cousins’ main target last week was Kyle Pitts Sr., who became the first tight end with 150 yards receiving and three touchdowns in a game since 1996.
Atlanta may be getting a big boost on offence as receiver Drake London (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday. London has missed four straight games but still leads the Falcons with 810 yards. Cornerback Mike Hughes (ankle) will not play at Arizona, which opens the door for rookie Cobee Bryant.
Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride is officially setting NFL records. With 12 catches for 134 yards last week, McBride became the first tight end in NFL history with at least 100 receptions in consecutive seasons. McBride’s 105 receptions leads the NFL this season, but does have a lot to do with the volume of passes he’s seeing. Jacoby Brissett has averaged 42 pass attempts per game since becoming the Cardinals starter in early October, which is also large in part to Arizona trailing a lot.
Arizona got doubled up at Houston last week, falling 40-20 in a game in which they were down 17 after the opening quarter. If the 3-11 Cardinals are to keep being competitive, starting faster is a key element for Brissett and company. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, indicating a return following a two-game absence.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Falcons vs. Cardinals?
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