The Arizona Cardinals face the Cincinnati Bengals in a critical Week 17 matchup at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST. With both teams looking to salvage their seasons, this game carries significant playoff implications for the Bengals, who can still realistically make the postseason. The Cardinals, meanwhile, aim to end a seven-game losing streak in this AFC North battle.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Game Time: 1:00 PM EST, Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati
- Cardinals Record: 3-12 after being eliminated from playoff contention with one game remaining
- Bengals Record: 5-10 with outside chance at postseason if they win remaining games
- Starting QBs: Jacoby Brissett for Ari, Joe Burrow for Cin following injury recovery
Cardinals Shutting Down Kyler Murray for Season
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The Arizona Cardinals officially ruled out starting quarterback Kyler Murray for the remainder of the 2025 season after he suffered a foot injury in Week 5. Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the decision after further medical tests determined the injury would not heal in time for Murray to return. The move leaves veteran Jacoby Brissett as the starter, who has stepped in capably since Week 6.
Brissett has provided solid production in the starting role, avoiding being afraid to air the ball out and maintaining respectable passing numbers. His presence offers some stability to a Cardinals offense that’s struggled through a disappointing season. Without their star quarterback, Arizona will need to lean on their offensive playmakers to compete against a Bengals defense that ranks 32nd in points allowed, yards per game, and yards per play.
Bengals Seek Second Consecutive Victory
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The Cincinnati Bengals are chasing their second straight win as they prepare to host the Cardinals at home in Week 17. The victory would keep their slim playoff hopes alive in the AFC wild card race. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow leads the offense as the team looks to show resilience down the stretch of the season.
Cincinnati can realistically only make the postseason by winning the AFC North division, with their best possible record sitting at 9-8. That record would likely not be enough to earn a wild card spot, making the remaining games crucial for the franchise’s postseason aspirations. The Bengals face mounting pressure as the season winds down.
| Category | Arizona Cardinals | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Record | 3-12 | 5-10 |
| Starting QB | Jacoby Brissett | Joe Burrow |
| Key Weapon | Trey McBride (TE) | 2nd Straight Win Momentum |
| Playoff Odds | 0% (Eliminated) | Minimal (Need Division Win) |
Cardinals’ Seven-Game Slide vs Bengals’ Defense
Arizona enters this matchup riding a brutal seven-game losing streak, seeking any sign of life as the season concludes. The Cardinals need to find a rhythm against a Bengals defense ranked 32nd overall defensively, presenting a potential opportunity for Brissett and the offense. Despite the poor defensive ranking, Cincinnati remains a dangerous opponent with playmakers ready to capitalize on mistakes.
The Bengals have shown spurts of competence in recent games, winning their last contest to stay mathematically alive in the playoff picture. The Cardinals continue to spiral, but the matchup against a subpar defensive unit could provide the reset needed heading into the finale against the Rams. Breaking the losing streak represents more than just one game—it signals whether Arizona can regain any competitive edge.
Trey McBride and Arizona’s Offensive Weapons
Tight end Trey McBride has emerged as a critical target for the Cardinals offense, with scouts indicating he is a major focal point of the passing attack. McBride provides a reliable receiving option that Brissett can trust in critical situations. The Cardinals will look to get their star tight end involved early and often to establish offensive rhythm against the Bengals.
Beyond McBride, the Cardinals have secondary receiving options that can contribute in the passing game. The team’s ability to execute in the short-to-intermediate passing game becomes essential, especially against a defense that struggles with overall coverage. All eyes will be on whether Arizona can sustain drives and avoid the penalties and turnovers that have plagued them throughout the disappointing season.
Can Cincinnati Keep Playoff Dreams Alive?
The Bengals face a critical juncture in their season as they look to maintain momentum and stay alive in the playoff picture. While their path to the postseason remains narrow, a victory today combined with favorable results elsewhere could keep their hopes breathing. Cincinnati continues to fight despite the long odds stacked against them, with Joe Burrow‘s leadership essential to the team’s push down the stretch.
Paycor Stadium provides a home-field advantage that the Bengals will want to capitalize on against a struggling Cardinals team. The crowd will be energized if Cincinnati plays well, and a convincing victory would show the team’s resilience. As Week 17 unfolds across the league, every game carries weight, and this matchup offers both teams a chance to prove something before their respective finales conclude the season.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.