- FALCONS vs. CARDINALS
- 2:05 p.m. Sunday
- State Farm Stadium
- Line: Cardinals +2.5 (For more NFL odds, visit the BetMGM online sportsbook)
To learn more about sports betting and how to create safe gambling habits visit responsibleplay.org. If you or anyone you know is experiencing problems related to sports betting help is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year by calling or texting 800-522-4700 or by going to ncpgrambling.org/chat.
NAME: MICHAEL CARTER
Signed to the practice squad after final roster cuts. Elevated two different times to the active roster. Signed to the active roster. Released. Re-signed to the practice squad. Signed to the active roster. That's the Michael Carter story this season. And it's a story that's not quite finished because now Carter finds himself – because of injuries to James Conner, Trey Benson and, most recently, Bam Knight – as RB1 against the Atlanta Falcons (and maybe the balance of the regular season.) Carter has shown he can – pun intended – carry the load. He's coming off his best game of the season with 56 rushing yards on 14 carries and nearly 100 total scrimmage yards. Another effort like that will better position the Cardinals for a much-needed win.
-- Craig Grialou
NUMBER: 85
That's the uniform number defenses shout out, as Jacoby Brissett reenacted for the media: "Stop 85. Stop 85." Translation: Houston had a problem. The Texans D could not stop the NFL's leading pass catcher, despite making Trey McBride their top halftime adjustment. Of course, get in line behind other Cardinals opponents because the last tight end to lead the league in receptions — Tony Gonzalez (2004). We had to ask Trey how often he hears defenses call out his number? "They're right in front of me yelling, so I hear it too. It's cool to know that I get that respect, whatever that means. It's also challenging." By the way, No. 85 needs 11 catches to break the franchise record for catches in a season; he needs 12 catches to set the NFL mark for catches by a tight end in a season. #DoubleDing
-- Paul Calvisi
NUANCE: HOME FINALE
Sunday's matchup against the Falcons will be the home finale for the Cardinals, as well as the Fan Appreciation game. While this season hasn't panned out the way the coaches, players or fans would like, the fans deserve to be celebrated for their commitment to this organization. The Cardinals have an all-time 12-2 record at home against the Falcons and can end the home finale, and the 20th season at State Farm Stadium, on a high note by giving the fans one last home win of the 2025 season.
-- Dani Sureck
