Houston, TX – December 2025. The Arizona Cardinals travel to NRG Stadium on Sunday, December 14, to face the Houston Texans in a Week 15 showdown that strongly favors the home team with postseason implications on the line.
Due to the newly upgraded turf at NRG Stadium, kickoff for the Texans vs. Cardinals matchup has been adjusted to ensure optimal playing conditions for both teams as the AFC playoff race intensifies. The game is set to kick off at 11:15 a.m. MST and will air on FOX, with streaming available via FUBO.
Odds and Betting Lines
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Houston enters as a clear favorite:
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Spread: Texans -9.5
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Moneyline: Texans -525, Cardinals +400
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Over/Under: 42.5 points
Expert Picks and Score Predictions
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Arizona Republic: Texans 27, Cardinals 17
Arizona is coming off a brutal loss to the Rams, and Houston’s defense is expected to force turnovers and control the game throughout. -
Bookies.com Betting Insight: Cardinals +9.5
Arizona has covered seven of its last eight games as a road underdog and remains 5–0 ATS against the NFC. -
Sports Betting Dime Projection: Texans 22.1, Cardinals 10.6
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Dimers Simulation: Texans 25, Cardinals 18
Win probabilities: Texans 74%, Cardinals 26% -
ESPN Playoff Predictor: Texans 71.2% chance to win, Cardinals 28.6%
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Sportsnaut Prediction: Texans 20, Cardinals 13
Houston’s elite defense and the return of C.J. Stroud are expected to overwhelm an injury-hit Arizona offense.
Game Outlook
The contrast between these teams is stark. Arizona is coming off a demoralizing 45–17 home loss to the Rams and remains mired in a prolonged playoff drought. Houston, meanwhile, delivered one of the season’s most impressive statements by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 20–10, forcing three Patrick Mahomes interceptions.
The Texans own the NFL’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 16 points and 266.3 yards per game. With C.J. Stroud back under center, Houston’s offense regains its rhythm, built on long, methodical drives and control of possession.
Arizona continues to struggle in the trenches and enters the matchup significantly shorthanded on offense. While the Cardinals have been resilient against the spread on the road, their overall outlook remains bleak.
Final Word
All signs point to a Texans victory. Houston’s defense should pressure Arizona’s quarterback relentlessly, while Stroud steadily builds separation on the scoreboard. It may not be a blowout, but a composed home win appears the most likely outcome in Week 15.
