Colts vs. Cardinals 2021 NFL Week 16 Odds, Preview and Pick

By Hank Blaine • December 23, 2021

One of the NFL’s most important games of the season happens on Saturday, Dec. 25 when the Arizona Cardinals host the Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals have dropped two straight and are in real danger of losing the NFC West. The Colts are the on the rise and will be sending more players to the Pro Bowl than any other team. Keep reading for NFL odds, analysis, and a free pick in one of NFL Week 16’s most important playoff implication games.

Colts vs. Cardinals Game Information

When: Sunday, December 26, 2021, 8:15 PM ET
Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
TV: NFL Network
Radio: 107.5 The Fan FM (Colts) / 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station (Cardinals)
Live Stream:NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: Colts (+1.0) / Cardinals (-1.0)

Why Bet on the Indianapolis Colts?

In the second half of the season, few teams have been as effective on offense as the Colts. Quarterback Carson Wentz has rejuvenated his career with 3,005 passing yards and a 23-to-6 touchdown to interception ratio. Wentz has a 9-to-3 TD-to-INT ratio in Indy’s last 6 games. But although Wentz can step it up if required, make no mistake, the Colts are built like the 1993 Dallas Cowboys where Troy Aikman’s top job was to hand the ball off to Emmitt Smith.

In this case, the best running back in the league plays for Indianapolis. Jonathan Taylor can eclipse over 2,000 yards rushing this season. He’s scored 17 touchdowns rumbling behind the best offensive line in football. Indianapolis ranks third in points scored per at 28.4 each game.

The Colts field one of the most opportunistic defenses in pro football. Indianapolis has recorded 30 takeaways in 14 games, ranking second in the category. Indianapolis allows just 343.7 yards and 21.4 points each game. Former San Francisco 49ers and Oregon Ducks standout DeForest Buckner leads the team in sacks with 6.5. Kenny Moore II has 4 interceptions.

Why Bet on the Arizona Cardinals?

Although Arizona’s offense has played poorly the last couple of games, Kliff Kingsbury’s group remains one of the top ten units in the NFL. Kyler Murray leads an offense that ranks 8 th in total yards each game with 376.4. Murray has thrown for 3,039 yards and completes close to 70% of his passes.

James Conner has become one of the best running backs in the league. Conner has rushed for 700 yards and scored 16 combined TDs. 14 touchdowns were via the rush.

Colts vs. Cardinals Betting Trends

Colts are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.
Indianapolis is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Over is 5-0 in the Colts last 5 games as a dog.
Cardinals are 2-7 ATS versus a team with a winning record.
Arizona is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games.
Over is 4-0 in the Cardinals last 4 games on grass.

Colts vs. Cardinals Expert Betting Predictions

Based on stats, this should be a close game. Visually, though, the Cardinals are in some trouble. Indianapolis is one of the best teams in the NFL. The Colts have found their identity and may not lose from Week 16 until, well, next season.

Yep, Indianapolis is playing so well that they deserve a look to win Super Bowl 56. It all starts with Jonathan Taylor, which no defense in the league can stop from gaining yards. Taylor is treating NFL opponents the way he did Big Ten opponents when he was at Wisconsin. On defense, the Colts are adept at taking away the rush or the pass, which relegates their opponents to becoming one-dimensional.

The problem Arizona has is that Murray has thrown 3 picks in Zona’s last couple of games, both losses. It doesn’t look like the Cardinals have figured things out. The loss to the Lions in Week 15 was pathetic. Line movement suggests Indianapolis is the favorite by kickoff. They could be a -2 ½ chalk, so if you agree with our analysis, jump on the Colts as soon as possible.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.