NFL Football
2025-12-21 - Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NFL Week 16
Sunday 21st December 2025 - Scheduled 4:05pm
9:05pm (British Time)
Preview
The top of the NFC South and NFC West are being fought out pretty hard as we close on the end of the regular season, but both of these teams are not involved. There will be real disappointment around the Atlanta Falcons (5-9) and Arizona Cardinals (3-11) for the seasons that have been put together and that does make it hard to know what kind of motivation that both will be playing with.
At least the Falcons can point to a couple of wins in the last four games played, but the Arizona Cardinals have lost six in a row and look like they really have lost their way.
Jacoby Brissett has not been to blame for the poor season put together by the Cardinals and he has shown enough to have the team thinking they need to move on from Kyler Murray. That means the veteran will conclude the season at Quarter Back for the Cardinals and he could have a strong outing in this game against a vulnerable Atlanta Defensive unit.
Injuries have not helped the Cardinals, but there have been players willing to step up and make big plays for the team and they will feel there are opportunities against the Falcons.
Just being able to run the ball well enough to put Jacoby Brissett and third and manageable spots is the key and it should allow the veteran to make some plays into this Secondary. Marvin Harrison Jr looks set to miss out again, but Michael Wilson has shown his qualities while Harrison Jr has been on the sidelines and Arizona should have successes.
However, you can say the same for the Atlanta Falcons, even if Kirk Cousins continues to guide the team instead of Michael Penix Jr- the veteran was an important figure in the Falcons Week 15 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and there is talent on this side of the ball.
Bijan Robinson was not the star of the show, but he had another big outing in the win over the Buccaneers and there is every chance he picks up from where he left off against this banged up and vulnerable Arizona Defensive Line. Having Robinson rip off some big gains on the ground would be a huge edge for the entire Offensive unit and it should mean Kirk Cousins and the passing game can take advantage by finding plenty of balance on this side of the ball.
There is a hope that Drake London could be ready to suit up, while Kyle Pitts Sr had a dominant game at Tight End- this should make Kirk Cousins' life very easy and the Atlanta Falcons should be comfortable playing indoors in this one.
Time should be given to Kirk Cousins by the Offensive Line and the road team may have a bit too much firepower for the home team.
Both teams should score plenty of points, but the Falcons may find a bit more Offensive balance and that can be key to a road win.
Prediction
Lay the points with the road favourite.
The Pick :
Arizona Cardinals 27-33 Atlanta Falcons
