New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Arizona Cardinals will be aiming to extend their current unbeaten streak at University of Phoenix Stadium to five games this weekend when they entertain the New Orleans Saints.

Arizona is on a 3-0-1 straight-up run on home turf but is coming off a disappointing 26-23 loss in Miami against the Dolphins as two-point chalk last weekend, dropping the Cardinals to 5-7-1 on the season and out of playoff contention.

The 5-8 Saints travel to the desert riding a two-game SU losing streak. New Orleans dropped a 16-11 decision to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as two-point underdogs last weekend in Florida, and it is now winless SU and against the spread in its past two on the road.

Point spread: The Cardinals opened as 2.5-point favorites; the total was 50 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via OddsShark computer: 24.3-24.0 Saints (NFL picks on every game)

Why the Saints can cover the spread

The Saints have been a reliable wager when pegged as betting underdogs, going 8-1-1 ATS in their past 10. New Orleans has also feasted on teams with losing records, winning five of six SU while going unbeaten ATS in its past six.

Conversely, Arizona has been a dismal disappointment at online gambling sites this season, covering the spread in just one of its past seven overall and going 1-3 ATS in its past four home games.

The New Orleans pass defense has effectively contained opposing pivots in recent weeks, allowing fewer than 180 passing yards in three of the team's past four. That puts additional pressure on Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, who has thrown eight picks over his past six games.

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

The Cardinals host a Saints squad that has struggled to generate points in recent weeks. New Orleans has tallied just 24 total points over its past two games after averaging 31.6 points per game in its previous six.

New Orleans has scored just one total touchdown in its past two games. Sloppy play has plagued the Saints in their past three SU losses, with the club making eight total turnovers during that stretch.

Arizona has been a regular winner in December, going 11-4 SU and 10-5 ATS in its past 15 outings in the month. That includes four SU wins in the Cardinals' past five home dates.

Smart pick

These two clubs have each posted four SU wins over their past eight meetings. However, the Cardinals are unbeaten in four straight home meetings, going 3-1 ATS. New Orleans is 5-9 SU in its past 14 road games. Look for Arizona to extend the Saints' misery with a SU and ATS win this weekend.

Betting trends

The visiting team is 0-6 SU and ATS in its last six games in this matchup.

The Cardinals are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games at home.

The Saints are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games as underdogs.

All NFL lines and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.