While the Week 16 matchup between the 5-9 Atlanta Falcons and 3-11 Arizona Cardinals is short on playoff implications, there should be plenty of points going up on the scoreboard at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, December 21.
Both Atlanta and Arizona have been reeling on defense, and my early Falcons vs. Cardinals predictions and NFL picks are calling for a high-scoring tilt in The Grand Canyon State.
Falcons vs Cardinals predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Early Falcons vs Cardinals spread pick: Falcons -2.5
The Arizona Cardinals have allowed over 40 points in four of their past six games for an average of 36.2 per, and they’ve only covered the spread once during the winless stretch.
Arizona ranked 28th in DVOA through the first five games of the skid, and then allowed the Houston Texans to put 40 points on the board while averaging 6.3 yards per play and the sixth-highest EPA per play.
For comparison, the Texans average 4.0 yards per play and rank 18th in EPA per play while averaging a middling 23.1 points per game for the year.
This is a winnable road game for the Atlanta Falcons, and they’ll also benefit from the extra rest after winning on Thursday Night Football in Week 15.
Obviously, while there isn’t oodles to be excited about with the 5-9 Falcons, not having a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft gives the Atlanta brass and roster plenty of motivation to show up through the final three weeks of the regular season.
More specifically, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is still in just the second season of his monster $180 million, four-year contract with the organization, with lots to prove.
I expect the Falcons to show up and cover the number against the inferior Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Week 16.
Early Falcons vs Cardinals total pick: Over 47.5
The fun thing about the Cardinals is that they’ve been putting up points on offense to go along with playing basement-level defense.
Arizona has scored an average of 20.3 points during the highlighted six-game losing skid, and the Over has hit in five of six.
Cards QB Jacoby Brissett has also thrown for multiple touchdowns in five of the six, and he’s posted a respectable 69.6 completion percentage with an above-average success rate during the stretch.
Additionally, the Falcons have played to the Over in six of their past seven games with an average of 26.7 per.
I’m expecting another shootout in State Farm on Sunday.
Falcons vs Cardinals odds
- Falcons vs. Cardinals spread: Cardinals +2.5
- Falcons vs. Cardinals moneyline: Falcons -150, Cardinals +125
- Falcons vs. Cardinals Over/Under: 47.5
How to watch Falcons vs Cardinals
- Falcons vs. Cardinals matchup
- Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 4:05 p.m. ET
- City: Glendale, AZ
- Venue: State Farm Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
