Sunday Night Betting – Warner Injury Jeopardizes Classic NFC Matchup
The Arizona Cardinals may be without starting quarterback Kurt Warner this week, which would really hamper a matchup of two ageless quarterbacks in the NFC.
Warner led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl last year and Brett Favre is hoping to do the same for the Vikings this year.
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Time: 8:20 ET
Venue: University of Phoenix Stadium
Vikings vs. Cardinals Sunday Football Lines
MoneyLine: Vikings -190 / Cardinals +160
Spread: Vikings -3
Over/Under: 48
As far as this matchup goes, if Warner plays, the Cardinals have a shot. Without him, they don’t stand much of a chance to upend what many people consider to be the best team in the NFC.
Vikings offenses versus Cardinals defense
To the surprise of many, the Cardinals have carried over their strong defensive efforts over from last season’s playoffs into this year. While they still have some consistency issues, they have still been fairly stout overall.
Surprisingly, one problem for them has been playing at home. The Cardinals have given up 25.2 points per game at home this year versus just 15.2 when they are on the road.
This week, the Cardinals will have some problems with a very balanced offense. The fact that their own offense might not be as reliable as usual may further expose some weaknesses.
Cardinals offense versus Vikings defense
Although nobody wants to say it, one of the reasons why the Cardinals would be wise to keep Warner out of this game is to prevent further injury. The Vikings have a very good defensive line led by end Jared Allen, who has caused a few bumps and bruises for quarterbacks this year. If Warner were to play and Allen was able to get a couple of shots at him, Warner’s neck injury might become more serious.
Backup Matt Leinart did move the ball well last week for the Cardinals but there was a noticeable drop-off. Under Warner, the main question is how do you stop the Cardinals passing game? With Leinart, there isn’t the same fear factor and the Vikings’ task becomes much more manageable.
Outlook & Pick
On one hand, you might be inclined to say that the Cardinals defense keeps them in this game for at least a half. On the other hand, the Cardinals defense has played poorly at home this year.
The truth of the matter is that the Cardinals are an offensive-oriented team. They generally win by outscoring their opponent – not slowing them down. Without their field general this week, that might be tough.
Even if Warner plays, since he is so iffy to begin with, there is likely a good chance of further injury.
This game will be close for the first half but the Cardinals offense just won’t be as functional whereas the Vikings offense will.
Pick: Vikings -3.5
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Dave Golokhov has written for BETUS Sportsbook, Sportsfanmagazine.com, FOX, Askmen.com, Sports-central.org, and the FOXSports.com Funhouse.
One reply on “Week 13 NFL Lines: Vikings vs. Cardinals”
The Cardinals have actually been a better road team than at home, but with Warner back they have a good chance in this game. Their defense will not be able to stop the Vikings, but see them still keeping this game close in a shootout.