Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – The Arizona Cardinals will travel to Pittsburgh this Sunday to take on the Steelers in an interconference NFL clash. Live betting in Canada has become increasingly popular for these types of matchups. The Cardinals have struggled mightily this season with a 2-9 record, while the Steelers are in the AFC playoff hunt at 7-4. This game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET from Acrisure Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Date & Time: Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium
TV: CBS
Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Cardinals | +135 | +2.5 (-104) | 39.5 over (-108) |
| Steelers | -155 | -2.5 (-118) | 39.5 under (-115) |
Arizona Cardinals Analysis
The Cardinals offense has sputtered for most of 2022. Quarterback Kyler Murray recently had season-ending ACL surgery, leaving backup Joshua Dobbs to take over. In 8 games, Dobbs has mediocre numbers with 1569 passing yards, 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. His top receiving weapon is wideout Marquise Brown, who has 486 yards and 4 touchdowns. The running game has been decent with James Conner averaging 5.1 yards per carry. However, the offensive line has struggled immensely, allowing 17 sacks of Dobbs in just 3 starts. If the Cardinals want to pull off the road upset, they’ll need to keep Dobbs upright in the pocket.
Defensively, Arizona ranks 21st in points allowed and yards allowed. They have struggled to generate pressure up front and have just 20 sacks on the year. The secondary has been exploited often, giving up the 5th most passing touchdowns in the NFL with 21. Veterans like J.J. Watt, Zach Allen and Byron Murphy will need to step up and contain the Steelers offense. Limiting Kenny Pickett’s production will be key for the Cardinals defense on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers Analysis
Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett has shown promise in his first season under center. Through 10 games, he has 1722 passing yards, 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. While the numbers aren’t eye-popping, he has demonstrated poise and decision-making beyond his years. Pickett relies heavily on standout rookie receiver George Pickens, who is averaging over 16 yards per catch. The Steelers also have a strong running back tandem with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who have combined for over 1000 rushing yards. If Pickett can continue to manage the offense and avoid turnovers, Pittsburgh should find plenty of success moving the ball.
The Steelers defense has carried the team for the past few seasons and 2022 is no different. They rank 5th best in yards allowed and 9th best in points allowed. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt is having another remarkable season with 12.5 sacks and dozens of QB pressures. Fellow linebackers Alex Highsmith and Myles Jack have also played at a high level. The secondary is vulnerable at times but has managed to limit big plays for the most part. With Arizon’s backup QB facing this fierce pass rush, expect the Steelers defense to pin their ears back and relentlessly pressure Dobbs on Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Against the Spread
The Cardinals have gone 3-6 against the spread over their last 9 games. They have failed to cover in 5 straight road contests as well. However, Arizona is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings with Pittsburgh. The Steelers have been solid against the number this season, going 11-4 ATS in their last 15 overall. Pittsburgh is also 4-1 ATS over their previous 5 home games. In 6 of the last 9 matchups with Arizona, the total has gone over the posted point total.
The Steelers have clearly been the superior team ATS this season. Given Arizona’s struggles on the road this year, it’s hard to put much faith in them covering the 2.5 point spread as underdogs this Sunday. Pittsburgh’s stellar defense at home combined with the Cardinals’ makeshift offense suggests the Steelers should cover with relative ease.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Free Pick
Based on the odds, trends, and team stats, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Steelers -155
The mismatch at quarterback and Arizona’s road woes make this game a ripe opportunity to back the Steelers. The moneyline odds offer solid value for Pittsburgh to win straight up at home.
Spread: Steelers -2.5 (-118)
Laying less than a field goal with the red hot Steelers seems like stealing against this troubled Cardinals team. Pickett protecting the football will be enough for Pittsburgh to cover the small number.
Total: 39.5 under (-115)
Arizona’s offense lacks firepower and the Steelers defense should stifle them. This game profiles as a lower-scoring, grind-it-out type affair that stays safely under the total of 39.5
Predicted Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Arizona Cardinals 13
The Cardinals will likely struggle to score points or move the ball consistently against this vaunted Steelers defense. Meanwhile, Pickett and the Pittsburgh offense should produce enough scoring to win and cover the spread. Be sure to take advantage of the best NFL daily picks for this and other Week 13 contests.
