Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) will look to win their third straight game and remain tied for the lead in the NFC East when they host the Arizona Cardinals (10-3) in the Week 15 Sunday night game. The Eagles are an impressive 11-4 against the spread in their last 15 games as underdogs during the month of December, but they have gone 1-4 straight up and 0-4-1 ATS in the past five meetings with the Cardinals.

Point spread: The Cardinals opened as 3.5-point favorites; the total was 50.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 27.1-23.9 Cardinals

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

Arizona has already clinched a playoff spot, but its eyes are set on the NFC West title and one of two first-round byes. With the NFC North-leading Green Bay Packers visiting University of Phoenix Stadium next week and the defending NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks coming to town in Week 17, there is no rest for the weary. That means the Cardinals should be focused on earning wins whenever possible.

This will be a good test for Arizona against a desperate team that likely faces a must-win situation to stay atop the NFC East. While the Cardinals did not cover the spread in a 23-20 home victory against the Minnesota Vikings in the Week 14 Thursday night game, they are 6-2 ATS in their following games after failing to beat the number.

Why the Eagles can cover the spread

Philly has played well so far with its back against the wall, taking two in a row over AFC East teams, including a Buffalo Bills squad that needed a win last week to stay in the playoff race. The Eagles are arguably the best team in the NFC East but have been plagued by inconsistent play, as they have yet to win three consecutive games.

A matchup with the Cardinals gives them a good opportunity to do just that despite their opponent’s superior record. Philadelphia head coach Chip Kelly will look to motivate his players, who should be pumped to perform at their best in a nationally televised game. Kelly can use the underdog card to his advantage to get them fired up.

Smart pick

The Eagles have not been home underdogs of more than a field goal since 2012, and there is a reason why. This is go time for them if they want to make the postseason, and they simply cannot afford to lose to Arizona in this spot. Ignore the recent series stats in this matchup and go with the team that needs a victory more: Philadelphia.

Betting trends

• The Cardinals are 4-1 SU and 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games against the Eagles.
• The Eagles are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games as underdogs in December.
• The Cardinals are 7-3 SU and ATS in their last 10 games in December.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.