2014 Arizona Cardinals Season Predictions
The Arizona Cardinals will try to build on a terrific 2013 season in which they won 10 games and almost qualified for the postseason. A lot is starting to go right in the desert – Coach Bruce Arians looks like a savior as he heads into the second year as Head Coach.
He has gotten some better play from everyone on offense and he has inherited a very good defense that could carry this team a long way.
Odds to win the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX: 40/1
Cardinals Odds to win the 2015 NFC Conference: 22/1
Cardinals Odds to Win the 2014 NFC West: +700
The Cardinals beat the Seahawks, the Panthers and the Colts last year – pretty good! Carson Palmer seems like the answer – no longer will the Cards be forced to go with Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Max Hall at quarterback.
The offensive line was an issue for sure but the signing of hulking 6’8” Jared Veldheer is a huge upgrade at left tackle and the return from a nearly season long injury to their 2013 seventh overall pick makes the O-line a whole lot better than they were last season.
CLICK to GRAB OUR BEST Expert Sports & Football Picks for 2014 GAMBLING!
Carson Palmer should be afforded more time to throw to what is a good receiving corp. on paper.
Larry Fitzgerald had a relatively poor 2013 campaign and is a near lock to rebound this year and Michael Floyd who had 1,054 receiving yards is one of the most underrated second options in the game. Ted Ginn Jr. and the combination of Notre Dame Tight End Troy Niklas and veteran Brandon Meyers look like more than adequate compliments to a passing game that could surprise this year.
The biggest question mark on offense for Arizona is their traditionally poor running game that will go with Andre Ellington. He will need to take the next step this year if the Cards hope to be competitive.
[soliloquy id=”82219″]
Ellington showed signs last year that he can be a solid back – his 15 rush, 154 yards, 1 TD performance down the stretch against Atlanta gave us a glimpse into Ellington’s potential – with a seemingly solidified O-line, he could become the break-out star of the 2014 season.
Defensively the Cardinals had some holes to fill during the offseason with the departure of Karlos Dansby and All-Pro linebacker Daryl Washington who was suspended due to substance issues. Arizona went out and signed aging Pittsburgh alum Larry Foote and they lured cornerback Antonio Cromartie to play alongside Patrick Peterson.
While the Cardinals seem poised for a small step backward defensively, there is no doubt that they have some playmakers and should hold their own in the toughest division in the NFL.
Betting Prediction:
Any team having to play the Seahawks, the 49ers and the Rams twice is in an unenviable position – a division crown and a Conference championship just don’t seem to be in the cards this year.
The team went just 2-4 in the NFC West last year and will need to go .500 in the division to improve on last year’s 10-6 mark.
I don’t see it happening. While the offense may be slightly improved in 2014, the holed created by departing superstars on defense will be a major story in the desert this year. A 9-7 record is what I see – Under the 10 Win total that Vegas has set for this team.
To make the playoffs in the NFC, a team has to be uber-well rounded – too many holes and too many unproven commodities keeps Arizona from being one of those clubs.
Optimism will quickly turn into disappointment for Arizona as their tough slate of 2014 games has them taking a step backward this year!
With training camps next up for the NFL betting offseason Cappers Picks NFL Football handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team by team Football Predictions and NFL Season Previews for those of us who can’t wait.
Bet on the Super Bowl XLIX winner, plus 2014/15 Conference and Divisional winners today. What are you waiting for use our insider knowledge today to gamble on all the NFL Football Futures in our top online sportsbooks today.
