Arizona Cardinals (2-9) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)
As NFL Week 13 commences, an important matchup will unfold between the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers. On Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium in Phoenix, the Cardinals face a formidable road test against their rivals at Acrisure Stadium; fans and bettors searching for winning NFL picks will closely examine this clash given both teams’ differing fortunes this season.
Arizona Cardinals offensive play this season has been marked by inconsistency, with both their rushing and receiving divisions showing promise yet struggling for consistency. James Conner has demonstrated efficiency as he averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry in seven games; however, this did not translate to effective scoring drives. Marquise Brown stood out among receiving corps players by amassing 486 receiving yards and four touchdowns; yet their overall challenge has been translating this yardage into points; something which significantly limited them during tight contests.
Pittsburgh Steelers have taken an even more balanced and effective approach on offense. Running back Najee Harris has averaged an impressive average of 3.9 yards per carry for reliable ground game production, while wide receiver George Pickens has been an instrumental playmaker, averaging 16.3 yards per reception; his presence adds an unpredictability that challenges and complicates their offense significantly – contributing significantly to their overall offensive strategy.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Acrisure Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Joshua Dobbs QB vs. Kenny Pickett QB
Joshua Dobbs of the Arizona Cardinals has had an eventful season so far, as evidenced by his statistics and team performance. With 8 games under his belt and 266 passing attempts completed – which amounts to an 62.8% completion rate. Even though this number is commendable, it doesn’t tell the whole story. His 1569 passing yards and 196.1 average yard per game may have resulted in steady scoring drives as evidenced by 8 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. Dobbs has also been put under considerable pressure, having been sacked 17 times for 126 yards lost, which points out some issues in the Cardinals’ offensive line and Dobbs’ decision-making under pressure. His longest pass of the season so far stands at 69 yards; these moments of brilliance have only occurred intermittently throughout this season.
Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Steelers offers an alternative profile. After playing 10 games this season and completing 170 of 281 attempts for an impressive 60.5% completion percentage rate – though slightly less impressive than Dobbs, his ability to effectively manage games stands out as significant. Dobbs has amassed 1722 yards through 12 games, averaging 172.2 yards per game with an average longest pass of 72 yards; his numbers are comparable. Pickett has managed 6 touchdowns to 4 interceptions which indicates caution and control in his gameplay; additionally he’s been sacked 21 times for 163 yard loss as protection can sometimes pose challenges; yet has proven resilience under pressure, reaching an overall passer rating of 79.2.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -155, Total Odds: 39.5
The betting odds favor the Steelers, with a spread of -2.5 and a moneyline of -155, reflecting their stronger season performance and home-field advantage. The total set at 39.5 suggests a lower-scoring affair, likely dominated by defensive plays and strategic offense.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
The Cardinals do not inspire confidence with their betting trends. Over their last nine games they posted an alarming 3-6 mark against the spread and an alarming 2-17 record straight up, indicating risky bets. Their road performance was especially alarming: going 0-9 straight up in 9 away games they displayed difficulty adapting to unfamiliar environments.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
In contrast, the Steelers have been reliable for bettors, boasting an 11-4 ATS record in their last 15 games. Their ability to cover spreads, especially at home (4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games), makes them a safer bet. The total has gone UNDER in 8 of their last 9 games, suggesting their games tend to be lower-scoring, a trend that bettors should consider.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 12/3/23 Betting Picks
Considering the data and trends, my final thoughts lean towards the Steelers maintaining their strong form. The Cardinals have struggled, especially on the road, and facing a solid Steelers team in Pittsburgh will be a daunting task. The Steelers’ balanced offense and stout defense should control the game’s tempo, limiting the Cardinals’ scoring opportunities.
When looking at the best betting websites, the Steelers seem to be the better pick. The spread of -2.5 is manageable considering their recent form and the Cardinals’ struggles. The total going UNDER 39.5 also seems like a reasonable bet, given both teams’ recent scoring trends. Prop bets on individual player performances, like George Pickens’ receiving yards, could offer additional value.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Arizona Cardinals 13
