Week 12 Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots

The Arizona Cardinals travel to Foxborough, Mass., on Sunday for a game with major playoff implications for both the Cardinals and New England Patriots.

New England currently sits at 4-6 and can probably only afford to drop one more game for the rest of the year. Arizona, on the other hand, looks to improve to 7-4 with a win and challenge the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams for the top spot in the NFC West.

The Cardinals enter this week coming off a frustrating divisional loss to Seattle. Kyler Murray was efficient, completing 29 of 42 passes for 269 yards and a pair of touchdowns. However, the Seahawks’ pass rush was surprisingly effective, sacking Murray three times. Superstar wideout DeAndre Hopkins was uncharacteristically quiet, catching just five balls for 51 yards. On the ground, Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds were mostly contained, but they both managed to find the end zone once.

As for the Patriots, they’re coming off a disappointing loss to the red-hot Houston Texans. Cam Newton was solid again, completing 26 of 40 passes for 365 yards and a touchdown. That lone passing touchdown was caught by Damiere Byrd, who had a career day. The small speedster racked up six catches for 132 yards. Sophomore Damien Harris continued his impressive streak, carrying the ball 11 times for 43 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots did lose Rex Burkhead to a season-ending knee injury, which will likely result in more touches for Harris. James White is also in line for a larger role.

Regarding injuries, the only notable loss for New England as of now is offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn, who will likely be out with a knee injury. Running back Sony Michel is expected to play after missing the last seven weeks with a quad injury.

As for Arizona, both Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins should play after dealing with respective minor injuries. The Cardinals will be without Larry Fitzgerald, though, as he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday.

Game Info

Date: Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Foxborough, Mass.
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
TV Info: FOX

Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook

Point Spread: ARZ -1.5 (-110) | NE +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: ARZ -130 | NE +100
Over/Under: O 49 (-110) | U 49 (-110)

Prediction

Arizona is the far superior team, but never doubt Bill Belichick when he’s in a must-win situation. New England will shock the Cardinals and jump back into the playoff hunt.