Bettors are keen on this matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. The spread is just over a field goal in favor of the Cardinals, and yet the Giants are coming in with the worst record in the NFC. While it appears that Arizona is a solid home option in Week 16, let’s remember their consistently inconsistent play this year. They’ve covered only twice in their last 16 games after giving away less than 90 rushing yards in their previous game. They have also failed to cover in eight straight games after giving up fewer than 250 total yards in the game prior.
On the road this season, the New York Giants are currently 1-6 straight up but an interesting 4-3 against the spread (take note). The Cardinals are 4-3 straight up and 3-3-1 ATS when playing in front of the home crowd.
After Carson Wentz got hurt in Week 15, a lot of fans across the NFL expected the Giants to be a lot more competitive in Philadelphia’s first game with Nick Foles under center. And they were, but not in the way most expected.
Eli Manning went bananas, completing 37-for-57 for 434 yards and three touchdowns. The return of Sterling Shepard sure helped but the Eagles’ defense that had been dominated to that point, were torn up. Manning hasn’t had a good season but there’s no reason he can’t end the season strong with Shepard back and a potential change of scenery on the horizon for him.
Of course, Eli’s big game didn’t automatically equal a Giants’ win. The Eagles came storming back to win the game, 34–29. It’s probably for the best if you’re a Giants fan. New York won’t get the first overall pick (that’s reserved for the Cleveland Browns) but they are line for number two as long as there isn’t any funny business down the stretch. The Colts are the next team in line to fall below the Giants. They have three wins.
The Cardinals have played two consecutive low-scoring games, partially because their offense hasn’t been able to convert red zone trips into touchdowns. Blaine Gabbert wasn’t good; let’s get that straight. He completed 16-for-41 passes for 189 yards and an interception against the Redskins but Arizona did move the ball. The ground game went 34 carries for 141 yards but all the offense could muster was five field goals.
Larry Fitzgerald led the team with five catches. He is having another tremendous season at age 34 in his 14th season in the NFL. He has 92 catches, 982 yards and five touchdowns so he’s got a chance to meet a couple of milestones this week. You have to wonder if this will be his last season in Arizona, or in the NFL completely. Larry won’t get the chance to make that elusive Super Bowl run this season.
It’s hard to imagine the Cardinals firing Bruce Arians but you get the sense he might walk away after this season. With Arians’, Fitz’s and Carson Palmer’s futures all in limbo, the Cardinals franchise could have a bevy of changes soon ahead.
Writer’s Prediction
The Giants’ defense isn’t good. But based on what Eli did last week, the offense might put up some points in an open game. Pick: New York Giants (+4.5)
