Who would’ve guessed that at the halfway point of this NFL season, the injury-riddled Arizona Cardinals would be 5-1 and leading the very competitive NFC West over the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers? Not many, that’s for sure.
The Cards’ status as legitimate contenders will be given another stern examination this week, when the 5-1 Philadelphia Eagles come to town looking for another win to keep pace with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East.
Speaking of the Cowboys, they’ll be looking to extend their division lead this week against the Washington Redskins. Read up on that game here once you’re done with this preview between two of the NFC’s front-runners.
[sc:Football ]Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale
When: Sunday, October 26, 4:05 PM ET
Line: Philadelphia Eagles (+2.5) at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5); total 48.0 – view all NFL lines
Betting on the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are known more for their high-octane offense, but it was their defense that stole the show in their blowout win over the New York Giants prior to their bye last week. The Eagles improved to 5-1 on the season, and are also 5-1 against the spread.
[sc:NFL240banner ]After surrendering 34 points to the Redskins and 28 points to the Rams at home, the Eagles D ratcheted up the intensity on the Giants as they held them scoreless in a 27-0 win. Their pass rush was disruptive all game long, sacking Eli Manning and Ryan Nassib a season-high eight times.
The Eagles defense could get even better with inside linebacker Mycal Kendricks, who had been missing since Week 2, back in the lineup for their trip to Arizona. Kendricks was second in the team in tackles last season with 106, and will be a welcome addition as the Eagles go up against the Cardinals’ competent rushing attack.
Philly’s own running game continued its resurgence by gashing the Giants for 203 yards on the ground. With the offensive line finally playing well after an injury-riddled rough patch, running back LeSean McCoy broke out with 149 yards for his first 100-plus yard game of the season.
Their resurrected running game will be given its biggest test yet against a Cardinal defense allowing the least rushing yards per game in the league. But the return of two more offensive linemen in Jason Kelce and Evan Mathis from injury should help boost the rushing attack even further.
However, it’s not all sunny in Philadelphia’s offense. Quarterback Nick Foles has continued to struggle with turnovers, and has actually thrown more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four) in his last three games. Meanwhile, big-play back Darren Sproles sprained his MCL against the Giants and will miss the trip to Glendale.
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Betting on the Arizona Cardinals
Somehow, some way, the Arizona Cardinals are 5-1 and leading the division that includes the Seahawks and the 49ers. The Cards have suffered a spate of injuries on both sides of the ball, but have still been able to get the job done.
That’s been especially true at home, where they’re 3-0 this season and hold big wins over San Diego and San Francisco. Since the start of the 2013 season, the Cards are now 9-2 at home, with their only losses coming to the Seahawks and 49ers.
The Cards will be coming into their next home assignment against the Eagles on the back of two straight wins over the Redskins and Raiders. Quarterback Carson Palmer completed 66 percent of his passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns in those two games, showing no signs of the lingering nerve issue which had sidelined him for a month.
Running back Andre Ellington, who had a career-high 30 touches for 160 total yards (88 rushing and 72 receiving) against the Raiders, will continue to be a key part of the Cards’ offense. But Palmer also has the big-play receivers in Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald to test an Eagles secondary that was torched for 800 total yards and six touchdowns by Kirk Cousins and Austin Davis.
Defensively, the Cardinals are still excellent at stopping the run despite missing Calais Campbell and Darnell Docket among others in the front seven. If the Cards successfully slow down the Philly running game – no team has even topped 90 yards rushing on Arizona this season – that means more dropbacks for the shaky Nick Foles, and more opportunities for the pass defense to add to their eight interceptions this season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Philadelphia running game breaks loose from the Cardinals’ clutches as the Eagles end Arizona’s home winning streak. Take the Eagles (+2.5) to win and cover on the road.
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