The misery has been mounting for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals amid a lost season, but they can unleash some frustration on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona has lost seven in a row while heading for potential offseason changes, so my Cardinals vs. Bengals predictions lock in on the ever-dangerous Cincinnati offense here on the heels of a 45-point effort last weekend.
Check out my NFL picks for this December 28 clash, with nothing on the line for either team in Week 17, and some aggressive play calls expected.
Cardinals vs Bengals prediction
Cardinals vs Bengals Best bet: Bengals -7 (-115)
With extra scrutiny around his mood and future in Cincinnati, Joe Burrow had a field day last weekend against the Miami Dolphins. He racked up 309 passing yards that afternoon with four TDs, and a repeat performance is on the cards on Sunday, given the Arizona Cardinals' defensive flaws.
The Cincinnati Bengals have scored 32+ points in three of their past four contests, and I’ll gladly lay the points here, with the slumping Cards just 1-6 ATS in their last seven games despite some gritty efforts from Jacoby Brissett.
There are also 2026 NFL Draft considerations here for the visitors, who enter with a 3-12 record and could slide further towards the No.1 pick.
Arizona has allowed 40+ points in four of its past seven contests — all losses — and I see Cincy coming out swinging here, with a chance to finish the season on a better note.
The Bengals’ last outing at Paycor Stadium was an embarrassing 24-0 thumping at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, so they’ve got a point to prove.
Burrow and Co. scored 35 straight points in Week 16 in Miami to dial down the panic level, and there are enough injuries on this Cardinals defense to suggest the hosts — playing with total freedom in a game that means nothing for them — will pull away for another comfortable victory.
Cardinals vs Bengals same-game parlay
Tee Higgins has put together a 10-touchdown season despite Cincy’s struggles, and I’m picking him for another score on Sunday. He’s found the end zone eight times in his past seven outings, and Burrow trusts the 6’4 receiver to come down with contested catches.
If the Bengals are going to cruise past the 30-point mark again here, Higgins will be a big part of the game plan.
As bleak as things have looked defensively for the hosts, this passing yards prop feels too high for Jacoby Brissett. He was held to 203 yards last time out against the Atlanta Falcons, completing just 16 of his 31 passes, and Marvin Harrison Jr. remains on the injury report for the Cards.
Cardinals vs Bengals SGP
- Bengals -7
- Tee Higgins anytime touchdown
- Jacoby Brissett Under 252.5 passing yards
Our big-ticket SGP: Trey to da House!
Trey McBride has been a rare bright spot for Arizona this season, piling up 109 catches, and he’s the likeliest candidate to score for the visitors.
McBride already has 10 touchdowns to his name, and he’ll be the top target for Brissett in the red zone.
Cardinals vs Bengals SGP
- Bengals -7
- Tee Higgins anytime touchdown
- Jacoby Brissett Under 252.5 passing yards
- Trey McBride anytime touchdown
Cardinals vs Bengals odds
- Spread: Cardinals +6.5 (-115) | Bengals -6.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Cardinals +240 | Bengals -300
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-110) | Under 50.5 (-110)
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Cardinals vs Bengals trend to know
The Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings between these teams. Find more NFL betting trends for Cardinals vs. Bengals.
How to watch Cardinals vs Bengals
| Location | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Sunday, December 28, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
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