CHRISTMAS NIGHT FOOTBALL: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

BY ADAM GREENE

Our Christmas nightcap could be a legitimate Super Bowl preview as the Indianapolis Colts journey out into the desert to take on the Arizona Cardinals right about the time you’re ready for that third cup of eggnog.

Thanks to two losses in a row, one to their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams, the Cardinals could be in danger of losing the division and a potential home playoff game with a loss. As for the Colts, a disastrous September start to the season is in the rearview as the team has won five of their last six to land in the AFC Wild Card race and, depending on what happens with the Tennessee Titans Thursday night, could be battling for the lead in the AFC South.

This is the 18^th all time meeting between the two clubs, with Arizona holding a 9-8 advantage. The Cards won their last match up in Sep. 2017. Carson Palmer finished with 332 yards, a touchdown and a pick in the winning effort. JJ Nelson caught five passes for 120 yards and a TD. For the Colts, Jacoby Brissett was good for 216 yards and a pick. Jack Doyle caught eight passes for 79 yards. Of all the players I just mentioned, only Doyle remains with either team.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (-1, O/U: 49.5)

Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.

Broadcast: NFL Network

Kickoff: Dec. 25, 8:15 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-6)

The Colts out-Patrioted the New England Patriots last Saturday, winning 27-17 in a game that saw quarterback Carson Wentz complete just five passes. The MVP of the game (and a guy that should be in the NFL’s MVP conversation) Jonathan Taylor rushed 29 times for 170 yards and scored the dagger touchdown that put the game away late in the fourth quarter. Indy sacked Mac Jones once and picked him off twice, while holding New England to just 81 total yards on the ground.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (10-4)

Arizona stumbled mightily Sunday, falling 30-12 to the hapless Detroit Lions in a game they were never really in. Detroit led 17-0 at halftime and 24-6 heading into the fourth quarter. Kyler Murray finished the day 23 of 41 for 257 yards, a touchdown and an interception and was sacked twice. He was pulled from the game late and Colt McCoy mopped up, finishing 6 of 9 for 56 yards. Chase Edmunds rushed for 53 yards and Christian Kirk caught nine passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals’ defense sacked Jared Goff twice.

THE PICK

Sunday’s loss was a low point for a Cards team looking to sail in the postseason and, just two weeks ago, was held a first round bye and home field advantage. Now, they’re staring at a three game losing streak in December with a Colts team that’s been a hard out even for teams that have knocked them off this season. Add to that Arizona’s poor performances at home and I think the Red Birds are in trouble. Colts 27, Cardinals 23

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

The NFL season is rolling along and the Week 15 Schedule is up and taking bets at BetOnline.AG.

Connect with us our socials on Twitter and Instagram for the latest sports news, viral moments, betting odds and the occasional memes.