The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13 of NFL action on Sunday. The Steelers are 7-4 despite a struggling offense and they’re expected to easily handle a Cardinals team that is just 2-10.
NFL odds opened with the Steelers as 6-point home favorites before slimming to -5.5. Here are my best free NFL picks and predictions for Cardinals vs. Steelers on Sunday, December 3.
Cardinals vs Steelers odds
Cardinals vs Steelers predictions
The Pittsburgh Steelers scored just 16 points in last week’s win against the Bengals, but that was due to their struggles in the red zone. They racked up 421 yards, which was a good sign with Eddie Faulkner as their new offensive coordinator and Mike Sullivan calling plays.
The Steelers entered that contest averaging just 280.1 yards per game, which led to them firing previous OC Matt Canada last week. That said, I’m not sold that Pittsburgh’s offense is all of a sudden going to start looking like “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
Keep in mind that this is the same group of personnel on offense with poor blocking up front and an average group of weapons led by the mediocre Kenny Pickett at quarterback. Pickett played well last week but he still ranks just 28th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt and is 27th in pass efficiency rating. He also might be at less than 100% since he’s been limited at practice due to an ankle injury.
The Steelers are just 24th in the league in offensive EPA but they are an impressive sixth in defensive EPA. However, the Arizona Cardinals’ offense got a massive boost three weeks ago when Kyler Murray returned to the lineup along with running back James Conner.
The Cardinals were crushed by the Rams last week but they had covered the spread in their previous two games with Murray back at QB. Murray tore his ACL last December and was rehabbing until Week 10, when he led the Cards to a 25-23 win against the Falcons.
Arizona’s defense has been terrible, sitting 31st in the league in EPA. That said, there’s no way I’m laying this many points on a Steelers team that had been outgained in every game this season before last week’s clash against Cincinnati, who had Jake Browning under center.
My best bet: Cardinals +5.5 (-110 at bet365)Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
MORE NFL FREE PICKS
Cardinals vs Steelers same-game parlay
Cardinals +5.5Kyler Murray Over 205.5 passing yardsNajee Harris Over 55.5 rushing yards
+700 at bet365
Murray threw for 249 yards in his Week 10 return, then had 214 in Week 11 before passing for 256 yards last week against the Rams.
The Steelers have an impressive stop unit but they are vulnerable in the secondary, ranking 24th in the league in passing yards allowed per game (236). Most models project Murray to have between 218 and 224 passing yards in this matchup, far above his O/U total of 205.5.
Jaylen Warren was officially named Pittsburgh’s starting running back two weeks ago, but Najee Harris has maintained a small edge in snaps and carries. Over his last four games, Harris has rushed for 65+ yards on three occasions and had 15 carries for 99 yards last week.
Both Harris and Warren should be productive against a Cardinals defense that has allowed 140.1 ypg on the ground, and with Harris having the lower rushing O/U, I’ll play his Over.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NFL bonuses
All UsersBet $20 in NFL same-game parlaysGet $10 in bonus bets! Claim Now
All Users50% boost for 3+ leg parlay/SGPe.g. +400 BOOSTS to +520! Claim Now
All Users50% boost 4+ leg parlay/SGPe.g. +300 BOOSTS to +450! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
