Falcons Defeat Cardinals 26-19 in NFL Clash
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 4:05 PM ET · State Farm Stadium
Atlanta Falcons 26, Arizona Cardinals 19, final. Our NFL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?
Atlanta Falcons beat Arizona Cardinals 26-19 at State Farm Stadium on December 21, 2025.
Who was favored in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?
Atlanta Falcons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Atlanta Falcons emerged victorious against the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 26-19 at State Farm Stadium. This game was significant as it showcased the struggles of the Cardinals, who have now lost six consecutive games, further adding to their disappointing season with a record of 3-12. Meanwhile, the Falcons improved their record to 7-9, marking a crucial win as they look to finish the season on a positive note.
The Cardinals have had a challenging season, reflected in their recent form. Over their last ten games, they have managed only one win, resulting in a 1-9 record, with an average of 22.0 points scored per game while allowing 31.4 points. Their last five games have been particularly grim, with an average of just 20.0 points scored and 34.6 points allowed. In contrast, the Falcons, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, have shown signs of improvement recently, winning their last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-28. They have averaged 20.5 points scored and 25.5 points allowed during this stretch.
When comparing home and away performances, the Cardinals have struggled significantly at home, holding a 0-5 record in their last five home games. Their overall home record this season is 3-12, while the Falcons have a better away record of 2-4 in their last six away games.
In terms of previous meetings, the two teams have faced off several times in the past, but the recent form of the Cardinals has made them less competitive. The Falcons' victory adds to their historical advantage in this matchup, showcasing their ability to capitalize on the Cardinals' struggles.
Injuries have also played a role in the dynamics of this game. The Cardinals had several key players impacted, including Jeremiyah Love and Will Johnson, both listed as questionable, and James Conner, who is on injured reserve. The Falcons faced their own injury challenges, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. listed as questionable due to a knee injury, and Anterio Thompson ruled out.
The betting market reflected the Falcons' status as favorites, with DraftKings setting the spread at ATL -2.5 and a total of 48.5 points for the game. The odds on the Falcons' money line were -142, while the Cardinals were at +120.
Weather conditions at State Farm Stadium were conducive for football, allowing both teams to execute their game plans without the hindrance of adverse weather. This environment played a role in the competitive nature of the game, as both teams sought to establish their offensive strategies.
Viewers were treated to a display of determination from both sides, with the Falcons managing to edge out the Cardinals in a game that highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Arizona. As the season progresses, the Cardinals will need to regroup and address their shortcomings, while the Falcons will aim to build on this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ATL -2.5 | 48.5 o -112 / u -108 | Atlanta Falcons -142 · Arizona Cardinals +120 |
Injury report
- Jeremiyah LoveQuestionableAnkleArizona Cardinals
- Zachary CarterInjured ReserveKneeArizona Cardinals
- Will JohnsonQuestionableLower BodyArizona Cardinals
- Tip ReimanOutAnkleArizona Cardinals
- James ConnerInjured ReserveFootArizona Cardinals
- Michael Penix Jr.QuestionableKnee - ACLAtlanta Falcons
- Keshawn BanksInjured ReserveUndisclosedAtlanta Falcons
- JD BertrandInjured ReserveUndisclosedAtlanta Falcons
- Anterio ThompsonOutUndisclosedAtlanta Falcons
- Billy Bowman Jr.QuestionableAchillesAtlanta Falcons
Leaders
- Passing yardsJacoby Brissett16/31, 203 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INTArizona Cardinals
- Rushing yardsMichael Carter11 CAR, 65 YDSArizona Cardinals
- Receiving yardsElijah Higgins7 REC, 91 YDSArizona Cardinals
- Passing yardsKirk Cousins21/35, 197 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INTAtlanta Falcons
- Rushing yardsTyler Allgeier16 CAR, 79 YDSAtlanta Falcons
- Receiving yardsBijan Robinson7 REC, 92 YDS, 1 TDAtlanta Falcons
Recent form
Arizona Cardinals
Last 10: 1-9Streak L622 scored · 31.4 allowed per game0-5 at home
- L20-40at Houston TexansDec 14
- L17-45vs Los Angeles RamsDec 7
- L17-20at Tampa Bay BuccaneersNov 30
- L24-27vs Jacksonville JaguarsNov 23
- L22-41vs San Francisco 49ersNov 16
- L22-44at Seattle SeahawksNov 9
- W27-17at Dallas CowboysNov 4
- L23-27vs Green Bay PackersOct 19
- L27-31at Indianapolis ColtsOct 12
- L21-22vs Tennessee TitansOct 5
Atlanta Falcons
Last 10: 3-7Streak W120.5 scored · 25.5 allowed per game2-4 away
- W29-28at Tampa Bay BuccaneersDec 12
- L9-37vs Seattle SeahawksDec 7
- L24-27at New York JetsNov 30
- W24-10at New Orleans SaintsNov 23
- L27-30vs Carolina PanthersNov 16
- L25-31at Indianapolis ColtsNov 9
- L23-24at New England PatriotsNov 2
- L10-34vs Miami DolphinsOct 26
- L10-20at San Francisco 49ersOct 20
- W24-14vs Buffalo BillsOct 13
Standings
| Team | Lost | Points against | Points for | Tied | Win % | Won | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina | 1 | 89 | 97 | 0 | .750 | 3 | 3-1 |
| Tampa Bay | 1 | 50 | 40 | 0 | .667 | 2 | 2-1 |
| Atlanta | 1 | 45 | 58 | 0 | .667 | 2 | 2-1 |
| New Orleans | 2 | 82 | 47 | 0 | .333 | 1 | 1-2 |
| Los Angeles | 0 | 30 | 74 | 0 | 1.000 | 3 | 3-0 |
| San Francisco | 1 | 48 | 72 | 0 | .667 | 2 | 2-1 |
| Arizona | 3 | 123 | 108 | 0 | .250 | 1 | 1-3 |
| Seattle | 2 | 45 | 32 | 1 | .167 | 0 | 0-2-1 |
Box score
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 24 | 16 |
| First downs passing | 11 | 9 |
| First downs rushing | 10 | 6 |
| First downs by penalty | 3 | 1 |
| Third downs | 7-14 | 7-13 |
| Fourth downs | 2-5 | 0-0 |
| Offensive plays | 73 | 56 |
| Total yards | 342 | 320 |
| Yards per play | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Drives | 9 | 9 |
| Net passing yards | 190 | 188 |
| Completions | 21/35 | 16/31 |
| Yards per pass | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks allowed | 1-7 | 2-15 |
| Rushing yards | 152 | 132 |
| Rushing attempts | 37 | 23 |
| Yards per rush | 4.1 | 5.7 |
| Red zone trips | 3-3 | 0-2 |
| Penalties | 4-20 | 5-14 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 0 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 35:34 | 24:26 |
Win probability
Above the line favours Arizona Cardinals, below favours Atlanta Falcons.
Venue
- State Farm StadiumGlendale, AZ
- Attendance60673
- OfficialsTom Stephan, Brad Freeman, Mark Pellis, Land Clark, Dominique Pender, Karina Tovar, Jeff Hutcheon
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