NFL Thanksgiving Weekend: New England Patriots vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction and Analysis

Cam Newton has enjoyed a sub-par debut season with the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick’s boys are 3rd in the AFC East franchise heading into Week 12. They host an in-form Arizona Cardinals outfit at the Gillette Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend.

Kyler Murray and Co. suffered a narrow loss to their NFC West rivals Seattle Seahawks last weekend. Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury will want his boys to put in a strong display on the road. The Cardinals are in dire need of a win in order to push for a divisional championship.

Here’s a detailed look at both teams, along with injury updates and Week 12 Game Day predictions.

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NFL Preview

The Cam Newton-led New England Patriots gear up for a tough Sunday

The Patriots have underperformed in 2020 due to a whole host of reasons. However, coach Belichick is not going to be okay with this spell of inconsistent displays despite playing with an inexperienced squad.

Quarterback Cam Newton is playing for his job as of this moment. The Patriots have only signed him on a 1-year deal and may or may not want to continue their relationship with the former Auburn Tigers man come 2021.

In a rare occurring, the Patriots will start as underdogs on Sunday in their Thanksgiving weekend clash against the Cardinals. The Pats are without RB Rex Burkhead for this encounter. In addition to that, Bill Belichick is also sweating on the fitness of stars Stephon Gilmore, Ryan Izzo and N’Keal Harry.

Arizona Cardinals looking to get back to winning ways in Week 12

Arizona Cardinals are 3rd in the NFC West Division table behind the Russell Wilson-led Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. Kyler Murray was in the mix for the NFL MVP conversation for some eye-catching displays in recent weeks. However, last week’s narrow loss to the Cardinals came as a much-needed wake-up call.

Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is expected to feature for the Cardinals, despite dealing with an injury niggle. The Cardinals defense led by Jordan Hicks, Isaiah Simmons and Budda Baker will all be crucial in Sunday’s clash against the Patriots. They will need to keep the deadly duo of Cam Newton and Julian Edelman quiet.

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NFL Preview: New England Patriots vs Arizona Cardinals Injury Updates

New England – Out

RB Rex Burkhead  – Knee

OT Isaiah Wynn – Knee

Questionable

LB Ja’Whaun Bentley – Groin

DL Tashawn Bower – Illness

DL Adam Butler – Shoulder

K Nick Folk – Back

DL Byron Cowart – Back

DL Carl Davis – Concussion

DB Kyle Dugger – Toe

CB Stephon Gilmore – Hand

WR N’Keal Harry – Shoulder

TE Ryan Izzo – Hamstring/ Hand

G Shaq Mason – Calf

WR Matthew Slater – Knee

RB J.J. Taylor – Quad

Arizona – Out

TE Darrell Daniels – Ankle

DL Josh Mauro – Hamstring

S Jalen Thompson – Ankle

Questionable

OL Justin Murray – Hand

S Charles Washington – Groin

Patriots vs Cardinals Prediction

New England Patriots 20 – 28 Arizona Cardinals

Despite last week’s dismal result, the Cardinals will still be the favourites this Thanksgiving weekend. Coach Kingsbury has managed to transform his young squad into a ruthless attacking force.

The signing of D-Hop is undoubtedly the biggest ‘daylight robbery’ in NFL history. A win against the New England Patriots this weekend will take the Cardinals once step closer towards sealing a spot in this year’s Playoffs.

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