When the Patriots take on the Cardinals to close NFL Week 14 on "Monday Night Football" (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN), they will be looking to improve their AFC wild-card playoff odds. New England (6-6) is trying to make up ground to at least finish as the No. 7 seed, while host Arizona (4-8) is headed to miss the postseason after getting there last season.
The Patriots need an efficient performance offensively from quarterback Mac Jones and running back Rhamondre Stevenson, minus the support of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (concussion) and running back Damien Harris (thigh). They will try to get their passing game going with tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver DeVante Parker
The Cardinals return from a bye and hope that quarterback Kyler Murray can finish strong with wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown together as his primary weapons.
Here's everything to know about betting on Patriots vs. Cardinals in Week 14, including updated odds, trends and expert's prediction for "Monday Night Football."
Patriots vs. Cardinals odds for Monday Night Football
- Spread: Patriots by 1.5
- Over/under: 43.5
- Moneyline: Patriots -125, Cardinals +105
The Patriots have been slight road favorites all week given their two-game better record and Belichick's good track record on close prime-time games. Kingsbury is under pressure to get some wins down the stretch.
Patriots vs. Cardinals all-time series
The Patriots have the slimmest of leads, 8-7, in their 15 meetings. They have earned that advantage by winning seven the past eight meetings going back to 2022. The Patriots won the 2020 matchup, 20-17.
Three trends to know
—55 percent of spread bettors are feeling the Patriots and Belichick as slight favorites.
—53 percent of total bettors think the scoring will be at a premium and are taking the under.
—The Patriots are 6-5 against the spread this season with five games going over. The Cardinals are 6-6 ATS with seven games going over.
Three things to watch
Hopkins and Brown vs. the Patriots' secondary
New England's coverage outside has been spotty this season. The Patriots will have trouble taking away both of the veteran wideouts downfield and Kingsbury excels at scheming them open outside and inside.
A running QB vs. the Patriots
The Patriots aren't fans of multi-dimensional QBs because it throws off the defensive scheming as a wild-card wrinkle. Murray poses that kind of problem, fully healthy to get his usual share of rushing attempts.
A pass-happier Jones?
Jones wants to be more aggressive in the Patriots' offense. He wants to throw downfield vs. a conservative approach as the play-calling has often been suspect. Here's a big chance because that's how you attack the Cardinals and their weak corners and tight end coverage.
Stats that matter
110.8 vs. 111.2. The Cardinals are No. 11 against the run in the NFL, allowing that first number in terms of average rushing yards per game. The Patriots are No. 12 with that second number. It will be tough for the teams to run as well as they would like, so it comes down to the QB with the more reliable passing and weapons.
Patriots vs. Cardinals prediction
Murray and his weapons, including his legs, are simply greater than what Jones has when it won't become a matchup of grinding rushing attrition between Stevenson and James Conner. The Patriots' defense can contain but the Cardinals have a few more prime-time playmakers there, led by J.J. Watt.
Cardinals 24, Patriots 23
