Cardinals vs. Steelers line, odds and predictions: Our experts like Pittsburgh to beat Arizona
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The Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the underdog Arizona Cardinals to town in a Super Bowl XLIII rematch. The Steelers have won four straight matchups with the Cardinals, with Arizona’s last win over Pittsburgh in 2007. The two-win Cardinals look to play spoiler in the Steelers’ chances at a playoff berth.
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Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. The game will be televised on CBS.
The Steelers’ offense averages an abysmal 16.5 points per game, but there is a glimmer of hope. After (finally) firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Pittsburgh gained more than 400 yards in a game for the first time this season in Week 12. They still left much to be desired, as they only scored 16 points, but the arrow is pointing up. Kenny Pickett had his best game, which isn’t saying much. He threw for more than 250 yards and had a completion percentage over 70 percent for the first time this season.
Kyler Murray has played well since returning from last year’s devastating knee injury. While he’s yet to throw for 300 yards in a single game, he scored a rushing touchdown in each of his three starts. Second-year tight end Trey McBride has emerged as Murray’s go-to, holding a team-best 24 percent target share since he returned. His 20 catches over that span are more than double the next closest, with Marquise Brown and Greg Dortch having nine each.
With two low-scoring offenses, the game will likely come down to defense, where Pittsburgh has the advantage so far this season. The Steelers allow just 18.6 points per game (fifth-fewest), while the Cardinals allow 26.8 (second-most). Pittsburgh’s defense could be boosted if either safety Minkah Fitzpatrick or defensive lineman Montravius Adams can return from injury.
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(Photo of TJ Watt: Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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