Posts Tagged ‘Arizona Cardinals’
NFL Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Pittsburgh -6.5, 46.5 O/U Super Bowl Sunday is finally here. The most anticipated sporting event of the year will kick off at approximately 6:20 Sunday night live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Highlighting the spectacular event is the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals and the AFC Champs the Pittsburgh Steelers. Arizona has been the underdog throughout the post season, but despite the long odds they have battled their way to earn their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. On the other side of the field, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in seek of their 6th Super Bowl victory that would become the most in NFL history. Pittsburgh has the early edge in terms of the betting lines with the majority of sports books holding the Steelers as a touchdown favorite over the Cardinals. Arizona will have the luxury of being an underdog once again as they seek to surprise the world one final time. The Pittsburgh Steelers were the favorites throughout the AFC all year due to the downfall of the New England Patriots. The Steelers entered the playoffs as favorites to win the AFC and they have lived up to the expectations. The Pittsburgh defense has been the dominating factor that has led to the Steelers success this season. The Pittsburgh defense has held teams to 14 points per game and only 237 yards of total offense which both ranks 1st in the NFL. The Steelers secondary also sports the top ranked pass defense in the league allowing 157 yards per game meaning Pittsburgh ranks 1st in three of the 4 major defensive categories while ranking 2nd in the other in rush defense. However, the Steelers secondary will be under one of the biggest test they faced all season from a strong air assault led by Kurt Warner and the Arizona offense. Pittsburgh offensively has not received the credit they have deserved during the playoffs. Despite the defense leading all season, the Steelers offense has found a way to score over the last two games posted 28 points on average. The Steelers will likely need to find a way to continue to post some touchdowns as many expect the Arizona to have some success, but the question is how much success? Arizona came into the playoffs as a huge underdog for winning the weak NFC West. The Cardinals were not expected by many to make it out of the first playoff game against Atlanta much less make a surge and get to the Super Bowl. Despite conquering all odds, Arizona still has one game left to prove why nobody should count them out. Veteran QB Kurt Warner has been very impressive throughout the Cardinals run. Warner’s leadership ability may have been equally impressive with his talented throwing arm as well. After all Warner is a Super Bowl MVP who led the St. Louis Rams to their first ever Lombardi Trophy and he will be trying to do the same this Sunday with the Cardinals. However the most impressive man on the field for the Cardinals has been Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald broke NFL all-time great Jerry Rice’s playoff receiving yards records as he has racked up 419 yards already with one game to go. Fitzgerald also caught 3 touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship (also a record) and has 5 total TDs over the playoff stint. WR Anquan Boldin has also been a big factor for the Cardinals this season despite being very quite during the post season. However, do not be surprised if Boldin gets the ball thrown his way a good bit as the Cardinals will try to utilize all their weapons to overcome the stout Pittsburgh defense. Pick – I’m going with the Veteran QB that has been here before to find a way to win not to mention getting 6.5 extra points. Arizona +6.5
Arizona Cardinals (12-7) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-4)
Super Bowl, Sunday Feb. 1, 6:15PM Eastern
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, nfl, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl
NFC Championship Preview Sunday, January 18th, 3:00PM Eastern
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6-1) at Arizona Cardinals (11-7)
Bookmaker.com betting line – Philadelphia -3.5, 47 O/U
The NFC Championship will host two unlikely opponents when the number 6 seeded Philadelphia Eagles travel to Phoenix to take on the number 5 seeded Arizona Cardinals. The game marks the first home playoff game for the Cardinals since 1947 and will give them the opportunity to earn their first ever Super Bowl trip. The game marks a re-match from week 13 when the Eagles trampled the Cardinals 48-20. In that game, running back Michael Westbrook ran wild against Arizona tying a team record 4 touchdowns. Westbrook and the Eagles will look for a repeat performance, but the Arizona Cardinals are playing much better at this point in the season.
Arizona is led by veteran QB Kurt Warner. Warner averaged the 2nd most yardage through the air this season with 292 yards per game of passing. Leading the receiving core that will get a lot of balls thrown their way is star playmakers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Boldin missed last week with a pulled hamstring and indicates he will play this Sunday in the NFC Title Game. Fitzgerald has a big game against the Panthers catching 8 balls for 166 yards and a score. These two receivers will be a crucial part of the Arizona offense as they attempt to break down the Eagles secondary. Boldin and Fitzgerald have combined for 23 touchdowns this season and they will be looking to add a few more this weekend.
Philadelphia has come out of nowhere to not only make the playoffs, but to be playing in the NFC Championship. The Eagles have won 6 of their last 7 games and both sides of the ball seem to be playing very well. The Philadelphia defense has been solid all season long. The Eagles defense ranks 3rd overall in the league holding opponents to 18 points and 274 yards of total offense for the season. The Eagles defense was playing well when Philadelphia was struggling. However, the emergence of the Philadelphia offense has the Eagles flying to new heights. During their impressive 7 game stretch, Philadelphia has averaged nearly 30 points per game. QB Donovan McNabb is playing the best he has all season and Michael Westbrook presents the big play capability. Keep an eye on these two guys because the Philadelphia offense may have to make some big plays if the Arizona offense keeps up their stellar play.
What to watch…
The Philadelphia ground game will be extremely crucial in this game. Westbrook ran for 110 yards in the last meeting and keep the Arizona offense off the field. In that game, the Eagles controlled the time of possession 39:33 to 20:27. The Cardinals must stand strong against the Philadelphia running game and allow the potent offense the opportunity to score points.
Betting Trends…
Philadelphia has reached the under total in 4 of their last 6 games and on an impressive run against the books with a mark of 12-4 ATS. Arizona is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games at home and have reached the over total in 4 of their last 5 games.
Pick – Defenses are playing well and lots of times defenses take control early in big games. Consider the under 47.
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, football, NFC Championship Preview, nfl, Philadelphia Eagles, sports
NFL Playoff Preview
Arizona Cardinals (10-7) at Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Saturday, 8:15PM Eastern
Bookmaker.com betting line – Carolina -10, 48.5 O/U
NFC Division Playoff action will kick off primetime Saturday night when the Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals captured a big home victory last week over the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 and look to keep the momentum going. Carolina closed out the season as strong as any in the NFC winning 8 of their last 10 games and they will try to prove they are the team to beat in the NFC. The game features the biggest spread differential of any playoff game this weekend with the Panthers coming in as heavy 10 point favorites. The Cardinals overcame many expectations last week with and will look to do the same again this Saturday.
Carolina sports a premier running attack lead by two great tailbacks DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart. The two backs combined to be the most effective duo in the NFL for over 2,300 yards and strong 28 touchdowns on the ground this season. The Carolina running game ranks 3rd in the NFL averaging 152 yards per contest. The Panthers will try to establish this running game this weekend and keep a dangerous Arizona offense off the field. The Panthers have scored 25 points on average this season and they will need to put up some points against the high power offense of Arizona. WR Steve Smith is the most valuable Panther on the offensive side of the ball and has the big play capability. Smith has racked up 1,421 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns despite missing the first two games this season. Carolina will look for their playmakers to take control in what many consider to be a fairly high scoring affair.
Arizona posted some of the best offensive numbers in the NFL during the first half of the season. Veteran QB Kurt Warner leads one of the best passing attacks in the NFL averaging a crazy 292 yards per game through the air. The Arizona offense also sports the 3rd best scoring offense in the league with 27 points per contest. The Arizona offense will have to be very effective this weekend considering the defense has struggled all season. The Cardinals scoring defense is among the worse in the NFL allowing 26 points per game. However, Kurt Warner will try to led the high power offense into the promise land and earn a right to battle for the NFC Title. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are big wide receivers that are difficult for any team to defend. Both stars have over a 1,000 yards receiving and combine for 23 scores on the year. Keep an eye on these electrifying playmakers as they will try to make some things happen for the Arizona offense.
What to watch for…
The Carolina running game will be interesting to watch and will provide some big counter affects. If the Panthers run the ball well, it will keep Arizona off the field and play into their advantage. However if Carolina can not establish a ground attack, then it forces the Panthers into a passing war with one of the best air assaults in the NFL. Carolina needs to be effective on offense and keep the time of possession in their favor.
Pick – Panthers defense holds on to win, but Arizona keeps it within 10. Arizona +10
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Divisional Playoffs, football, nfl, sports
NFL Playoff Preview
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals
Saturday, 4:30PM Eastern
Bookmaker.com betting line – Atlanta Falcons -2, 51.5 O/U
The Arizona Cardinals get the luxury of hosting the first game of the 2009 Playoffs when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Arizona captured the #4 seed with a final record of 9-7 benefiting from a poor NFC West. Atlanta finished at a mark of 11-5, but that was only good enough for a wildcard spot considering they finished 2nd in their division behind the Carolina Panthers. These two teams have been on different paths towards the end of the season and it will be interesting to see if they stay in those directions. The Cardinals are losers of 4 of their last 6 games to close out the season and have really struggled on both sides of the ball down the stretch. Atlanta has been headed in the right direction winning 3 straight and 5 of their last 6. Will the Falcons continue their strong stretch or will the Cardinals bounce back and return to early season form?
Arizona started the year with one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. Veteran QB Kurt Warner has led the Arizona offense to 365 yards per game ranking as the 4th best overall offense in the league. The passing attack has been superb averaging 292 yards per game which ranks 2nd best in the NFL. However, in recent weeks the high power offense has not been playing up to par. Arizona had averaged nearly 30 points per game up until their last 3 weeks of the season. During that bad stretch of games to end the season, the Cardinals have only averaged 18 points per game. Arizona will look for Kurt Warner and company to get back to offensive dominance and try to put up some big number this Saturday. The Cardinals are 1-5 against NFC South teams in their last 6 attempts, but will try to give Arizona their first playoff victory since 1999.
Atlanta has really played well closing out the season behind the play of rookie QB Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner. Ryan has played like a stealthy veteran behind center this season throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns. Turner leads a powerful ground attack that has the Falcons ranked as the #2 best rush offense in the NFL. On the season, Turner has racked up an amazing 1,699 yards which also 2nd most in the NFL behind Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson. The Falcons will look to establish the running game and keep the Cardinals offense off the field. If the Falcons can control the ground game, then Arizona could have a hard time finding rhythm. The Atlanta offense will line up with a defensive that has really struggled this season. The Cardinals have allowed 26 points per game this season and Atlanta hopes to be able to post some touchdowns on the scoreboard.
What to watch for…
The Arizona offense will be fun to watch. They are a pass happy bunch and keep an eye on how their receivers stack up against the Atlanta secondary. On the other side of the ball, Michael Turner could be a big difference in the ball game. There should be some points scored in this ball game, but which team will be able to come up big defensively will be the question.
Betting Trends…
Atlanta is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games. The Falcons have been pretty even on the over/under total this season reaching the under side in 9 of their 16 games. The Falcons are also 2-0 ATS against the Cardinals in their last two meetings. Arizona is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games while reaching the over total in 5 of those last 6 games. However, the Cardinals have been solid at home this season with a 6-3 ATS mark in Phoenix.
Pick – Atlanta stays hot against the struggling Cardinals.
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, football, nfc wild card, nfl, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Cardinals - 3 , Total 47 The Arizona Cardinals may have clinched the NFC West and a playoff spot but they are not going to be resting players this week against the Minnesota Vikings. “We’ve got to improve our seed,” Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “That’s the first and foremost thing. … That’s what these next three weeks are about; putting ourselves in the best position we can going into the playoffs. We can officially now say we’re in the playoffs. Now we want to get into the best spot that we can.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cardinals at Home. The Vikings are in a good position to win the NFC North and with a win over Arizona and a loss by the Bears they would clinch their first playoff spot in three years. Minnesota will probably have to win on Sunday with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback since Gus Frerotte is still recovering from a back injury that forced him out of last week’s game. Jackson played well in relief of Frerotte last week in the win over Detroit but has never been very effective as a starter. Arizona has no issues at quarterback as Kurt Warner is having an MVP type season. He threw for 279 yards last week in the win over the Rams as Arizona improved to 5-1 at home this season. The Cardinals are 11-3 at home since Whisenhunt took over as head coach in 2007. The last meeting between the Vikings and Cardinals occurred two years ago in Minnesota as the Vikings won 31-26. Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Vikings are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall. The Vikings are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. The Vikings are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. the NFC. The Vikings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in December. The Vikings are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings between the two teams. The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. The Cardinals are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 games in December. SBG Global Current Line: Cardinals - 3 , Total 46.5 The Over is 5-2 in the Vikings last 7 games overall. The Over is 5-2 in the Vikings last 7 road games. The Over is 7-1 in the Cardinals last 8 home games. The Over is 11-2 in the Cardinals last 13 games in December. The Over is 25-10 in the Cardinals last 35 games overall. The Over is 38-18 in the Cardinals last 56 vs. the NFC. Pick: Cardinals 4 out of 5 units
Minnesota Vikings (8-5) at Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
Sunday, 4:05 pm Eastern – FOX
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, football, Minnesota Vikings, nfl, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Eagles - 3 , Total 46.5 The Philadelphia Eagles will try and save their season as they host the Arizona Cardinals on Thanksgiving night. Philadelphia is in desperate need of a victory if they hope to stay in the playoff race but it won’t be easy as they host Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals. The Eagles have played very poorly in recent weeks, especially quarterback Donovan McNabb who was benched last week for the first time in his career. McNabb will get the start though on Thursday. “As I sit here right now, he’s my starting quarterback,” head coach Andy Reid said, “I need to coach better. Donovan needs to play better and the guys around Donovan need to play better.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cardinals on the Road. McNabb has committed seven turnovers in his last six quarters of play. “What I have to do is just make sure that I kinda do the right things coming into Thursday’s game playing against a tough Arizona team.” McNabb said, “Take care of the football, get us in great position to score points.” Philadelphia will have to score points if they expect to stay close to an Arizona team that is scoring on a regular basis. Kurt Warner leads the NFC with a 102.4 passer rating. He has thrown for more than 300 yards in five straight games. Warner is not thrilled about having to play on the East Coast considering teams taking the cross-country trip this season are 0-14 straight up. “I’d always rather play at Sunday noon, certainly no Thanksgiving at 8. That definitely wouldn’t be my chosen time,” Warner said, “but this is kind of one of those novelty things that’s always fun. You know everybody’s sitting back watching.” Here are the NFL betting stats for Thursday’s game. The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Cardinals are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games on grass. The Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings against Philadelphia. The Eagles are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. the NFC. The Eagles are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams. SBG Global Current Line: Eagles - 3 , Total 46.5 The Over is 18-6 in the Cardinals last 24 games on grass. The Over is 24-9 in the Cardinals last 33 games overall. The Over is 36-15 in the Cardinals last 51 road games. The Under is 6-1 in the Eagles last 7 home games. The Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings between the two teams. Pick: Cardinals 4 out of 5 units
Arizona Cardinals (7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-5-1)
Thursday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NFL Network
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, football, nfl, Philadelphia Eagles, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Giants - 3 , Total 48.5 Two teams that are almost assuredly headed for the playoffs meet on Sunday as the Arizona Cardinals host the New York Giants. New York is running away with the NFC East while the Cardinals have virtually clinched the NFC West. Both teams come into the game on a roll as the Giants routed Baltimore last week for their fifth straight win while Arizona took out Seattle. The Giants come into the game with the NFL’s best running attack while the Cardinals have the league’s second best passing attack. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Giants on the Road. The game on Sunday could come down to the New York secondary against the receiving corps of Arizona. The Cardinals are averaging 305.8 passing yards per game. Larry Fitzgerald has 939 yards and Anquan Boldin has 792 yards. New York will try and contain those receivers and put some kind of pressure on quarterback Kurt Warner. “They have a great quarterback and a lot of great guys at the skill positions so it is going to be all hands on deck, and anything that we can possibly do to stay close to their skill positions and know where they are at all times is going to be a plus for us,” New York cornerback Corey Webster said. Arizona is 10-2 at home under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. The Giants have won five of the last seven meetings against Arizona. Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Giants are 11-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Giants are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in November. The Giants are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 road games. The Giants are 23-8-1 ATS in their last 32 vs. the NFC. The Cardinals are 6-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC. SBG Global Current Line: Giants - 3 , Total 48 The Over is 5-1-1 in the Giants last 7 games in November. The Over is 6-2-1 in the Giants last 9 games overall. The Over is 6-0 in the Cardinals last 6 home games. The Over is 23-9 in the Cardinals last 32 games overall. The Over is 36-17 in the Cardinals last 53 vs. the NFC. The Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Arizona between the two teams. Pick: Giants 4 out of 5 units
New York Giants (9-1) at Arizona Cardinals (7-3)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – FOX
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, football, New York Giants, nfl, sports
NFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Cardinals - 11 , Total 49 The NFC West takes the spotlight on Monday Night Football this week as the Arizona Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals have done their part this season going 5-3 but the 49ers have not, going 2-6. The Cardinals are the only team in the NFC West with a winning record and they are heavily favored on Monday to notch another victory. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cardinals at Home. The Cardinals have an explosive offense led by quarterback Kurt Warner and a plethora of weapons including Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzergald and rookie running back Tim Hightower. “We’re excited about where we are as a team,” head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “We realize that we have a chance. But we also understand that last year at this time there were teams that were 6-2 that didn’t even sniff the playoffs. I think taking that approach is going to keep us grounded. … We’ve got only half the season behind us.” The 49ers have struggled all season but at least they are entertaining again thanks to interim head coach Mike Singletary. He has made it clear to his team that things must change. One of his first changes was to bench tight end Vernon Davis and he will make another change this week starting Shaun Hill at quarterback. The 49ers will have to score on Monday to have a chance since the Cardinals are leading the NFL in scoring at 29.3 points per game. Here are the NFL betting stats for Monday’s game. The 49ers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. the NFC West. The 49ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Monday games. The 49ers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games. The 49ers are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The 49ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on grass. The 49ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The 49ers are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings between the two teams but the underdog in this series is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the road team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings. SBG Global Current Line: Cardinals - 11 , Total 49 The Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. The Cardinals are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 vs. NFC West. The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in November. The Under is 7-1 in the 49ers last 8 games in November. The Under is 10-4 in the 49ers last 14 vs. the NFC West. The Over is 5-0 in the Cardinals last 5 home games. The Over is 22-8 in the Cardinals last 30 games overall. The Over is 8-3 in the Cardinals last 11 vs. the NFC West. The Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Arizona between the two teams. Pick: Under 1 out of 5 units
San Francisco 49ers (2-6) at Arizona Cardinals (5-3)
Monday, 8:35 pm Eastern – ESPN
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, football, nfl, San Francisco 49ers, sports
Arizona at New York Jets
Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern – FOX
SBG Global Opening Line: Jets – 4.5 , Total 45
Two veteran quarterbacks matchup on Sunday as Brett Favre and the New York Jets host Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals. Both quarterbacks have won Super Bowls and both hope to get back there before retiring. Warner has looked good this season leading Arizona to a 2-1 record while Favre has been up and down in the Jets 1-2 start. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Jets at Home.
Favre went 30-of-42 for 271 yards and three touchdowns last week against the Chargers but still didn’t play very well as much of that yardage was after San Diego had a big lead. A bigger problem for the Jets has been a defense which gave up five touchdowns last week to San Diego’s offense. Warner could have a big day considering he has Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Warner ranks in the Top 10 in the NFL in passing yards and in touchdowns. The Cardinals have had trouble in the East so this week they didn’t return back to Arizona and have spent the week on the East Coast.
“Even coming in last week and coming in on Friday, that’s a tough process, to come in late on Friday and get acclimated and get your rest and get everything done by Sunday,” said Warner, “That’s the one big benefit we’re going to have. We’re going to be acclimated, we’re going to be in a normal routine come Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We’re not going to be out of sorts and rushing to try to get anything done.”
Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Cardinals are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games in September. The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 4.
The Jets are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 home games. The Jets have won the last four meetings against Arizona.
SBG Global Current Line: Jets – 4.5 , Total 45
The Over is 4-1 in the Cardinals last 5 games in Week 4. The Over is 6-2 in the Cardinals last 8 games on grass. The Over is 8-3 in the Cardinals last 11 games overall. The Over is 37-15 in the Cardinals last 52 road games. The Under is 4-0 in the Jets last 4 home games. The Under is 6-0 in the Jets last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. The Under is 6-1 in the Jets last 7 games overall. The Under is 5-1 in the Jets last 6 games on grass. The Under is 5-1 in the Jets last 6 games in Week 4. The Over is 7-3-1 in the Jets last 11 games in September.
Pick AZ Card 3 out of 5 units
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, football, New York Jets, nfl, NFL Picks, sports
NFL Preseason Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Cardinals - 3 , Total 38 Normally the final game of the preseason is virtually meaningless but that may not be the case in Arizona on Friday night as the Cardinals host the Denver Broncos. It was thought that Kurt Warner had won the starting quarterback job for Arizona but head coach Ken Whisenhunt was unhappy news was released by the media and supposedly Matt Leinart is still in the running. It may not matter though if Leinart plays as bad as he did a week ago when he was 4-12 for just 24 yards against the Raiders, throwing three interceptions. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cardinals at Home. Kurt Warner will start the game against Denver but Whisenhunt is still waiting to name the regular season starter. “We all want to know,” Warner said, “For Matt and myself, it’d be nice knowing what the situation would be and be able to move forward with it. The way I look at it more than anything, the sooner it can happen, the sooner we can get past the (interviews and media coverage) that goes with it, and you can prepare for the game.” Warner has not taken nearly as many snaps as Leinart in the preseason but has played far better. “Hopefully we’ll get in enough snaps with the first (offensive) line that both can play,” Whisenhunt said. “I just wanted to make sure Kurt gets his timing with the ones for this game, much like we did in Kansas City.” Most of the starters for both teams are not expected to play a great deal on Friday so how much can be determined with backups playing alongside Warner and Leinart is up for debate. SBG Global Current Line: Cardinals - 3 , Total 38 Denver has looked good this preseason, especially quarterback Jay Cutler. He is 30 for 43 for 352 yards, with three touchdowns, and no interceptions this preseason. He probably won’t play long on Friday which means backups Patrick Ramsey and Darrell Hackney will see the bulk of the action. Starting wide receiver Brandon Marshall may see some action though since he will miss the first part of the regular season due to suspension. NFL betting stats show that Denver has a 12-5 edge in the all-time preseason series with Arizona, including a 21-3 home win last year in the preseason. The Broncos have been great in preseason finales in recent seasons, winning eight of their last nine. Denver is 3-1 in its last four preseason games against the Cardinals including three straight. Pick: Cards 2units
Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals
Friday, 10:00 pm Eastern
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, betting, Denver Broncos, gambling, nfl, nflx, preseason, sports
