Lions vs. Cardinals Point Spread: NFL Week 14 Odds, Prediction
These two teams have been colossal disappointments, combining for seven total wins and 17 losses. The old saying is “playing for pride” and that might be the case. But on both sides of the field, these teams will be making some majors decisions this off season on who will and who will not be part of the roster in 2019.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
These two teams last met back in September of 2017, where the Lions were 2.5-point favourites, and won out right 35-23. In an odd set of circumstances, considering these two teams are not in the same division, they have met five times since December 2012, with the Cardinals winning four out of five games. This year, the Lions are 1-4 on the road, while the Cardinals are 1-5 at home.
Head-to-head the Lions are 0-6 against the spread in their last six meetings in Arizona. No surprise that the home team in this series is 11-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings. The Cards have played well against the conference, as they are 5-0-1 in the last six games versus the NFC.
Detroit Lions
It has been a tough first year for new Lions Head Coach Matt Patricia. Through 12 games of the season, the Lions are 4-8, and with four games remaining the team is just playing out the season. The Lions enter this game with the Cards losers of five of their last six games. Sunday, the Lions were on the wrong end of a 30-16 loss to the Rams.
The Lions allowed Todd Gurley 132 yards along the ground, which should be good news this week for David Johnson, although the Cardinals have a rushing attack that’s ranked 31st in the league (86 yards per game). This season the Lions are tied for 19th in rush defence, allowing an average of 119.8 yards along the ground.
The Lions defence has been decent at times (15th in the NFL), and will be facing the worst offence in the league Sunday afternoon.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals stunned the Packers and most bettors in week 13 with a 20-17 win at Lambeau Field. Entering the game, the Cardinals were heavy 13.5 point underdogs and weren’t given much of a chance if any of winning. Take into consideration six-time Pro-bowler Aaron Rodgers was 14-0 straight up when being a favourite by 11 or more points entering the game.
The third win of the season for the Cardinals came at a major expense as receiver Christian Kirk (broken foot), and offensive lineman Mike Lupati (knee) have headed to IR. Both are starters on offence, and two major blows to a team that has had a difficult season.
Quarterback Josh Rosen continues to take starting snaps as the future franchise pivot learns the professional game, but for a third consecutive week he threw for under 200 yards passing.
Running back David Johnson seems revitalized under new offensive co-ordinator Bryon Leftwich. Since his promotion in late October, Johnson has once again become the highlight of the offensive attack averaging 85.2 rushing yards per game in the five games under Leftwich. Prior to the appointment, Johnson was averaging 47.8 rushing yards per game (seven games).
