Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Arizona Cardinals own the best record in the NFL, and they've been a great moneymaker this season, going 7-2 against the spread. The Detroit Lions lead the NFC North, and are also 7-2 ATS. In a big game in the NFC the 8-1 Cardinals host the 7-2 Lions Sunday afternoon.

Point spread: Cardinals opened as three-point favorites; the total was 41.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 24.7-23.6 Cardinals

Why the Lions can cover the spread

The Lions have won four games in a row after their 20-16 victory over Miami last week. Detroit outgained Miami 351-257 and held the ball for almost 32 minutes in snapping the Dolphins' three-game winning streak. The Lions only managed 63 yards on the ground, but got a boost from wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who returned to action to catch seven balls for 113 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown.

Detroit has now won three games in a row in which it trailed at the two-minute warning. The Lions only rank 19th in total offense and 31st in rushing, but lead the league in total defense and rank second against the run.

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

The Cardinals have won and covered five games in a row after beating St. Louis last week 31-14, covering as seven-point favorites. Arizona trailed the Rams 14-10 midway through the fourth quarter, but took the lead on a Drew Stanton-to-John Brown 48-yard touchdown pass, then iced the win and the cover with a pair of defensive scores. Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer went down with a knee injury, but Stanton stepped in and rallied the team to victory.

Arizona only ranks 24th in total offense, but its defense has held its last five foes to an average of less than 17 points per game.

Smart Pick

This game looks like it should be a good, tough defensive battle. Neither team runs the ball well, and both play good defense. But Johnson gives Detroit an edge, and Stanton has yet to prove himself as a winning NFL quarterback. So the smart money here resides with the Lions.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone under in seven of Detroit's last eight games
• Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last five games at home

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