Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

The Arizona Cardinals are 5-0 and 4-1 against the spread the last five times they've been favored on the NFL betting lines. The Tennessee Titans are 1-5 ATS the last six times they've been lined as underdogs.

Arizona is a short road favorite for its game Sunday at Tennessee.

Point spread: Cardinals opened as 1-point favorites; the total was 41.5. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark computer prediction: 24.3-19.0 Cardinals

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

Arizona is just a game off the pace in the NFC wild-card race, after beating St. Louis 30-10. Offensively the Cardinals can be dangerous, with quarterback Carson Palmer throwing to wideouts Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, while getting some support from running backs Andre Ellington and Rashard Mendenhall.

But it's on defense where Arizona is making its bones, holding its last six opponents to an average of 16 points per game. And they manage to cover spreads when they are favored.

Why the Titans can cover the spread

Tennessee has lost four of its last five games but clings to life in the AFC playoff race. Last week the Titans led at the half at Denver, and only trailed by one score going into the fourth quarter, before letting that one get away.

By the numbers Tennessee ranks near the middle in most important categories, but has lost several close games.

The Titans aren't quite dead yet in the AFC playoff race. Perhaps they've got a last-gasp effort in store for the Cardinals.

Smart Pick

The Odds Shark computer is calling for an Arizona victory and cover in a game that goes OVER its total. The Cardinals have quietly built a winning team this season. They can run the ball a little, throw it a little and they're tough on D.

Tennessee, on the other hand, is fading. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick just doesn't provide the spark that Jake Locker does. Arizona hasn't always been a great road team, but it is 4-2 ATS on the room-service circuit this season. Give the short spread and take the Cardinals.

Trends:

• Titans have played five straight home OVERs
• Titans are 1-5 ATS past six games as underdogs
• Cardinals won five straight as favorites (4-1 ATS)

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.