Falcons Set to Battle Cardinals in Crucial Week 16 Showdown
The Atlanta Falcons are ready to hit the field again this Sunday after enjoying a brief ‘mini-bye’ following a significant victory against their division rivals in Tampa Bay. This week, they will head west to face the Arizona Cardinals, a team currently grappling with a six-game losing streak.
As the Falcons aim to secure back-to-back wins for only the second time this season, the stakes are high. Both teams have much to prove, with Atlanta looking to bolster their playoff aspirations while Arizona seeks to regain their footing.
Key Matchup Insights
The Falcons’ offense has been a mixed bag this season. They rank 26th in points per game at 20.1, yet they find themselves in the middle of the pack with 340.4 total yards per game, landing at 14th overall. Their passing game averages 217.7 yards per game, while the rushing attack, at 122.7 yards per game, holds a respectable 12th place rank. Despite these numbers, they sit 24th in expected points added (EPA) per play, indicating room for improvement.
On the defensive side, the Falcons allow 24.4 points per game, placing them 22nd in the league. They have been effective in limiting opponents to 323.6 total yards per game (14th), showcasing a strong pass defense that allows just 195.6 yards through the air, ranking 8th. However, they struggle against the run, giving up 127.9 yards per game, which puts them at 25th overall in that category.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, have had their own set of challenges. Their offense scores 21.6 points per game, which ranks them 21st, and they average 333.4 total yards (17th). Their passing game is more productive, with an average of 238.8 yards per game, placing them 7th, but they lag behind in the rushing department, managing only 95.0 yards, good for 26th in the league.
Defensively, the Cardinals are struggling significantly, allowing 27.7 points per game (27th) and 351.1 total yards (26th). Their pass defense is average, giving up 226.6 yards per game (21st), while their run defense is slightly better, allowing 124.5 yards (21st).
Betting Odds and Viewing Information
For those interested in the betting landscape, the odds are set with the Cardinals as 3-point underdogs, coming in at -118, while the Falcons are favored at -102 for the same spread. The moneyline sits at Cardinals +135 and Falcons -160, with an over/under total of 48.0 points.
How to Watch the Game
Fans eager to catch all the action can tune in on Sunday, December 21, as the Falcons look to capitalize on their momentum and extend their winning streak against the Cardinals. This matchup promises to be a critical moment for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
