ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Cardinals Host Patriots in Must-Win Matchup to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Arizona Cardinals (6-7) are on the brink of playoff elimination as they prepare to host the New England Patriots (3-10) on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz. While the Patriots have been out of postseason contention for weeks, the Cardinals still have a slim chance to reach the playoffs, making this matchup critical for their survival.
Cardinals’ Playoff Scenarios
Arizona finds itself two games behind in both the NFC West and the wild-card race. With three teams to leapfrog for a wild-card berth and two divisional rivals—Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams—to overtake for the NFC West title, the Cardinals face a daunting task.
Stay Informed with NFL Betting Picks! Explore NFL football betting picks and play with an edge.
According to the NFL’s playoff probability counter, a win against New England would only improve Arizona’s playoff odds to 11 percent. However, a loss would all but seal their fate.
“Heavy is the crown,” Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said of quarterback Kyler Murray’s role. “He gets a lot of blame, and he gets a lot of praise, too. That’s life in the National Football League as the franchise quarterback.”
Arizona’s Recent Struggles
The Cardinals are coming off a 30-18 loss to the NFC West-leading Seahawks, their second defeat to Seattle this season, which gives the Seahawks the head-to-head tiebreaker. Arizona’s defense struggled to stop the run, surrendering 176 rushing yards, including 134 to Seattle’s Zach Charbonnet.
On offense, Murray threw two interceptions in the first quarter, stalling Arizona’s early drives. Despite the turnovers, Murray finished with 259 passing yards, while James Conner added 90 rushing yards and Trey McBride led the receiving corps with seven catches for 70 yards.
“I’ve got to find some answers,” Gannon said. “We haven’t played good ball the last couple of weeks, and that falls on me.”
Patriots’ Growing Pains
The Patriots are also mired in a three-game losing streak, but they enter Sunday’s game off their bye week, giving them extra time to address their issues. In their most recent outing, a 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, New England’s defense allowed a back-breaking 19-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has shown flashes of promise this season, completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 1,696 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in nine games (eight starts). Against the Colts, Maye threw for 238 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
“Really, the goal remains the same, and that’s to play our best football at the end of the year,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said. “It’s all about winning. … It’s all about going out there, playing complementary football, and that’s what we want to see.”
Key Matchups
- Kyler Murray vs. Patriots’ Defense: Murray must limit turnovers and capitalize on New England’s vulnerabilities. The Patriots’ secondary has been hampered by injuries, with key players like Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers listed as limited participants in practice.
- Cardinals’ Defense vs. Drake Maye: Arizona’s defense needs to rebound after a poor showing against Seattle’s run game. Pressuring Maye and forcing mistakes will be crucial.
- Run Game Efficiency: With James Conner leading Arizona’s ground attack and the Patriots aiming to control the clock, the battle in the trenches could decide the game.
Injury Updates
The Cardinals had several players either out or limited in practice, including running back Emari Demercado (back) and key defensive linemen Naquan Jones (shoulder), Roy Lopez (ankle), and Darius Robinson (calf). On special teams, punter Blake Gillikin missed practice due to a foot injury.
Ready for the winning edge?
The Patriots were without wide receiver Javon Baker (concussion) and cornerback Marcus Jones (illness) on Wednesday. Key contributors like Dugger, Peppers, and offensive lineman Cole Strange were limited participants.
What to Watch
- Urgency from Arizona: With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, will the Cardinals come out with the intensity needed to snap their losing streak?
- Patriots’ Adjustments: After a bye week, can New England’s young players, particularly Maye, show improvement in key areas?
- Turnover Battle: Both teams have struggled with giveaways during their losing streaks. Protecting the football will be essential.
Outlook
The Cardinals have everything to play for as they try to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, while the Patriots are looking to build momentum for the future. Arizona’s home-field advantage and desperation could give them the edge, but New England’s ability to play spoiler shouldn’t be underestimated. This matchup will likely come down to which team can execute better in high-pressure moments.
