49ers at Cardinals: Expert Betting Prediction

NFL Week 16

· Dec 24 - 5 minutes read

Tied for the second-longest losing streak in the NFL, the 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15. The Niners lost 41-33 to the Cowboys for a third straight loss in what amounts to a lost season just a year after appearing in the Super Bowl. The Niners will head to Arizona for a Saturday afternoon Week 16 matchup with the Cardinals, which presents an intriguing matchup for sports betting.

After two straight losses, the Cardinals have bounced back with consecutive wins and currently hold the final spot in the NFC playoff race. Arizona held off the Eagles 33-26 and handed Eagles QB Jalen Hurts his first loss as a starter. Our NFL odds currently list the Cardinals as five-point favorites in this Week 16 matchup.

Linebacker Markus Golden of the Arizona Cardinals high fives Angelo Blackson during the NFL game against the Philadelphia — Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

A lot of the early NFL betting action appears to be on the Cardinals, as the 49ers have announced multiple starters will be shut down for the remainder of the season. Third-stringer C.J. Beathard will start at QB for the Niners after a Nick Mullens injury.

Here is a look at the latest Super Bowl Odds

Game: San Francisco (5-9) vs Arizona (8-6)
Location: State Farm Stadium
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Television: Amazon Prime

NFL Betting Lines

Team	Point Spread	Moneyline	Over/Under	Team Total
49ers	+5	+190	48½	21½
Cardinals	-5	-230	48½	27

Moneyline:

San Francisco 49ers +190 | Arizona Cardinals -230

When the Cardinals defeated the 49ers, 24-20 in Week 1, the Niners were nearly at full strength. Now, the Niners are missing QB Jimmy Garoppolo, RB Raheem Mostert, and DE Nick Bosa, among other starters. Now, San Francisco is starting third-stringer C.J. Beathard at QB, who has compiled just a 1-9 career record as a starter. Jeff Wilson, Jr. will be the lead back on Saturday and he suffered a knock against the Cowboys. The 49ers don’t have much offensive firepower to work with and just gave up over 40 points for the second time this season.

The outlook doesn’t look good for the Niners in this game. But, there’s always the danger that the Cardinals take the Niners lightly. Divisional compatriots LA just lost to the 0-13 Jets and anything can happen in one game in the NFL. If the Cardinals come to play they should take care of business and have the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Bears loss.

The Cardinals scored 30 points for the first time in five games in Week 15 and Kyler Murray threw for a career-high 406 yards. If Arizona clinches an NFC playoff spot they’ll be a tough out for whoever they face. I expect them to win their tenth game in their last twelve against the Niners here.

Pick: Cardinals to Win

Point Spread: -5 Cardinals

Both teams have had downright bad form against the spread lately. In their last seven games, the Cardinals are 2-5 and the Niners are 1-6 ATS. But, Arizona has won consecutive games against the spread and appears to be closing out the season on a high. They picked up the most yards they have all season against the Eagles and have averaged 458 yards per game in their last two games. During their preceding three-game losing streak, Arizona averaged just 22 points per game and 281.3 yards per game.

San Francisco has lost three straight games against the spread despite being favored to win in all of them. There’s not much reason to believe they’ll stop their run of bad form here, especially after they shut down Mostert and WR Deebo Samuel. I like the Cardinals to both win and cover the spread.

Pick: Cardinals to Cover

Over/Under: 48½ points

The Cardinals have averaged 27.9 points per game this season, which is the 10th best mark in the NFL. The Niner’s defense, which is usually solid, has faltered in recent weeks. They have given up 25.7 points per game for the season but have allowed 32.7 points per game on their three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, they’ve scored 24 points per game during that same stretch, which is in line with their season average.

But, with so many offensive players out and C.J. Beathard starting, I can’t see the Niners putting up too many points in this one. The point total has gone under in three of the Niner’s last five games and in three of the Cardinal’s last five. Even if the Cardinals score a bunch, there’s still the chance for an under with a depleted Niners offense, so that’s the bet I’m going with.

Pick: Under 48½

Props Talk for 49ers at Cardinals

Cardinals Total Points Over 27 (-110)

The Niners have given up over 30 points in two of their last three games. They don’t necessarily have much to play for but pride at this point so the Cardinals should be able to score more than they did against them in Week 1.

Double Result

Cardinals/Cardinals -11

This is a more attractive bet than the -230 Cardinals moneyline this weekend. The Cardinals got out to a 16-0 lead against the Eagles last week and should be motivated to put the 49ers away early in this one.

Highest Scoring Half

1st Half -125

Staying on the topic of the Cardinals putting the 49ers away early, this should be your go-to prop in the sportsbook if you believe that to be the case. The Cardinals also scored 26 of their 33 points against the Eagles in the first half last week.