Atlanta vs Arizona Betting?
Crucial NFC Battle Pits Falcons vs. Cardinals
Two teams that had preseason playoff aspirations meet Sunday with their playoff lives hanging in the balance – not even half way through the season. The disappointing yet injury ravaged Atlanta Falcons head to Phoenix to take on a Cardinals team that hasn’t quite lived up to their billing so far this year.
Atlanta Falcons (2-4) at Arizona Cardinals (3-4)
When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 27, 2013
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, Arizona
Broadcast: FOX
Falcons vs. Cardinals Betting Lines from betonline.com
Atlanta Falcons +2½ +100 +125 Ov 44½ -110
Arizona Cardinals -2½ -120 -145 Un 44½ -110
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A loss by either team would effectively put a nail in the coffin of their playoff aspirations – expect a highly spirited game with so much on the line.
Absolutely nobody could have predicted the Atlanta Falcons having a 2-4 record this early in the season and nobody would have imagined that Steven Jackson, Julio Jones and Roddy White would all be on the sidelines in street clothes watching their team struggle.
But that is where we are after seven weeks.
The Falcons actually have the third ranked passing offense but that is sure to go down after losing Julio for the season and since Roddy White just can`t seem to get healthy. Matt Ryan has passed for 1,922 yards and 13 touchdowns, the Falcons offense is averaging 25.5 points and 374.7 yards per game and they are minus two in turnover ratio – not too bad for a team with a losing record!
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Atlanta`s running game has been the problem – they are 30th in the league with Jaquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling failing to impress. Steven Jackson, who has been out since Week 2 is very close to returning which should help this offense immensely.
Harry Douglas and an ageless Tony Gonzalez can`t do it all!
The Falcons were once a solid defensive unit, but have struggled to keep the offense in the game, ranking 23rd in points allowed per game (26.2) and passing yards allowed per game as well as 20th in total yards allowed per contest (366.3).
They have seven takeaways so far in their six games – not good enough for a supposed playoff caliber team.
Forgive the Arizona Cardinals for falling below .500 – they have played the 49ers and the Seahawks in consecutive weeks and they also lost to the Saints already this year.
The Cardinals offense was supposed to be much improved under Carson Palmer but he has struggled at times. He has been sacked an incredible 20 times and he has thrown 13 picks already this young season. Palmer has completed 60.5 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns though.
The Cards own the 17th ranked passing offense but maybe should be better with Larry Fitzgerald who has battled injury and Malcolm Floyd to throw to.
Arizona`s running game has been typically disappointing – the Cards rank 26th in the league in that department. Rashard Mendenhall is averaging 3.1 yards per carry and he has three touchdowns and Andre Ellington has been just OK.
Teams are teeing up on Carson Palmer with the lack of a perceived threat in the running game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Defensively the Cards have been OK – not spectacular in any department. Arizona allows 23 points and 349.7 yards per game and they have eight interceptions, 19 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries. They rank 16th in total yards allowed per game with nearly 350 and 19th in pass yards allowed per game but have been good at stopping opposing rushing attacks.
The Cards are seventh in rush defense although Atlanta doesn`t figure to run the ball a whole lot Sunday.
NFL Football Betting Prediction
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A few trends to consider:
• ATL are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
• ATL are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games on grass.
• ATL are 15-7-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 7-1 in ARI last 8 games in Week 8.
• ARI are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games in Week 8.
• Over is 7-3 in ARI last 10 games on grass.
• Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
The Cardinals are a better team than their record indicates – facing a poor defense for a change will be welcomed indeed. The Falcons on the other hand seem to have lost all that made them special – no Julio Jones, a banged up Roddy White, and possibly no Steven Jackson makes this team look very average on paper.
Arizona is 4-0 against the spread against a team with a losing record while Atlanta is 1-4-1 against the spread in their last six road games, and 1-4 against the spread following a win.
While I don’t love either team in this game, I am leaning Arizona’s way – they are the more complete team with a glimmer of hope heading into the second half of the season.
I can’t believe it but I like the Cards to add to the misery in Atlanta this week.
Pick: Arizona Cardinals -2 1/2
