It’s an intra-conference battle in Week 15 on Sunday, Dec. 14. Read our Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams prediction along with our other NFL Picks! The Cardinals are 3-10 and they sit in last place in the NFC West. Arizona has lost five straight games coming into this matchup. The Texans are 8-5, and they have won six of their last seven games, including five straight. Houston is battling for the divisional title in the AFC South. These two teams will meet with the kick-off set for 1 P.M. EST.
Sign Up for Winners and Whiners News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Winners and Whiners may use third-party services to process my data.
Terms & Conditions Arizona’s losing streak continues
Arizona is 3-10 overall this season. The Cardinals are in last place in the NFC West. Arizona has already been eliminated from playoff contention, with every other team in the division holding at least nine wins. The Cardinals are 2-4 when they have played on the road. Arizona defeated Dallas on the road in Week 9. Since that win, the Cardinals have lost five straight games, including an overtime defeat to Jacksonville.
In their last game, Arizona lost 45-17 to the Rams at home on Sunday, Dec. 7. Arizona grabbed an early lead as Jacoby Brissett threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Michael Wilson. Early in the second quarter, Arizona would hit a field goal to tie the game at 10-10. But the Rams would score 35 unanswered points to take an easy win. Brissett threw for 271 yards on 25-for-44 passing with two touchdowns and one pick. He also led the team with 22 rushing yards. Wilson had a big game with 11 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
With Kyler Murray on the IR, Brissett has filled in during this time. He has thrown for 2,459 yards and has completed 66% of his throws. He has tossed 15 touchdowns and five interceptions on the year. Bam Knight has been the top running back with 271 yards and four touchdowns. Trey McBride continues to be one of the best tight ends in the league with 937 yards and eight touchdowns.
On defense, Arizona’s Budda Baker leads the team with 93 tackles. Josh Sweat has been everywhere in the backfield this year as he holds a team-high 11 sacks. The defense has forced 17 turnovers on the season.
The Cardinals are averaging 21.7 points per game, which ranks 21st in the league. They are the seventh-ranked passing offense, averaging 238.7 yards per game. Arizona is rushing for 96.8 yards per game, placing them seventh-worst.
On defense, the Cardinals are allowing 26.8 points per game, which ranks 26th. They are the 20th-ranked pass defense, giving up 224.3 yards per game. Arizona is also allowing 123.1 rush yards per game, which ranks 19th.
Arizona is 6-7 against the spread this season. The Cardinals are 5-1 against the spread when they have played on the road. Arizona is 5-5 against the spread when they have been underdogs. The Cardinals are also 2-2 against the spread as a seven-point or more underdog. The over is 8-5 when Arizona has played this season. The under is 4-2 when Arizona has played on the road. The over is 4-0 when the Cardinals have been seven points or more underdogs.
Injury report for Arizona:
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is out. WR Xavier Weaver (hamstring) is out. DT Bilal Nichols is out. G Evan Brown is out. S Jalen Thompson (hamstring) is out. Houston’s defense dominating, Texans contending for AFC South crown
Houston is 8-5 overall entering this week. The AFC South race is heating up, and the Texans are right in the middle of winning the division. The Jaguars lead the division by one game with a 9-4 record, while the Colts also own an 8-5 record. The Texans are 4-2 when playing at home this season. They have been playing their best football of the season at the moment. The Texans have won five straight games. They have also won six of their last seven outings.
In their last game, the Texans secured a 20-10 win over the Chiefs on the road on Sunday, Dec. 7. It was a statement win for Houston as they march towards the playoffs and practically knocked Kansas City out of the postseason. Houston led 10-0 at halftime before Kansas City tied it towards the end of the third quarter. But, turnovers forced by the NFL’s No. 1 defense allowed Houston to secure 10 unanswered points and take the win.
Quarterback CJ Stroud threw for 203 yards on 15-for-31 passing and a touchdown. Woody Marks added 68 yards on the ground. Houston’s defense allowed just 274 yards of offense and forced three turnovers.
This season, Stroud has thrown for 2,181 yards and has completed 64% of his passes. He has thrown for 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. Marks leads the rushing attack with 554 yards and two touchdowns. Nico Collins has been Stroud’s top target with 916 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
On defense, Houston is led in tackles by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair with 84 tackles. Danielle Hunter has a team-high 11 sacks, while Will Anderson Jr. is right behind him with 10.5 sacks. The defense has forced 15 interceptions and seven fumbles.
Houston is averaging 21.8 points per game, which ranks 20th. They are the 17th-ranked passing offense, averaging 216.5 yards per game. The Texans are the 23rd-ranked rushing offense as they are racking up 105.7 yards per game on the ground.
On defense, Houston is allowing 16 points per game, which is the best in the sport. They are the third-best pass defense, allowing 172 yards, while they are also the fifth-best rush defense, surrendering 94.3 yards per game.
Houston is 7-6 against the spread this season. The Texans are 4-2 against the spread this season. They are 4-3 against the spread as a favorite. They are 1-0 against the spread as a seven-point or more favorite this year. The under is 9-3-1 when the Texans have played. The under is 4-1-1 when Houston has played at home. The under is just 4-3-1 when the total has been set at 42 points or less.
Injury report for Texans: DE Denico Autry (knee) is questionable. RB Nick Chubb (ribs) is questionable. CB Kamari Lassiter (foot) is questionable Arizona Cardinals vs Houston Texans PicksCardinals vs Texans Spread Pick Houston Texans -9.5 (5 units)
Houston will cover the spread with ease in this game simply because of their defense. They have the best defense in the sport, and they shut teams down in the run and in the pass game. The Texans covered the spread the only other time that they were more than one possession favorites and that came against the Titans in a big win. The Texans’ defense will force a poor Arizona offense to long third-down attempts, and they will force multiple turnovers. The Cardinals couldn’t move the ball against the Rams last week in a big loss. Against a better defense and on the road, this will be a long day for the Cardinals are their fans. Houston is 4-2 against the spread at home this year.
Take the Texans to cover.
Cardinals vs Texans Over/Under Pick
The Cardinals’ offense has been a major reason why they haven’t been able to string wins together. The Cardinals rely on the passing attack as their running backs and offensive line cannot do the job on the ground. Expect a lot of 3-and-outs against the best defense in football. Houston loves a low-scoring game, and their offense hasn’t lit scoreboards up with a high total this year either. But Houston’s defense will lead the charge for a low-scoring affair. The under is 4-1-1 when Houston has played at home. The under is 4-2 when the Texans have played on the road.
Take the under on Sunday.
Spend $50, Get up to $100 in Fliff Coins
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus 
Spend $25 Get $50 in Coins
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus 
Get up to 103 SC + 20,500 GC for FREE with Legendz!
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus