The Arizona Cardinals have made the playoffs after losing four of their last six games, while the Atlanta Falcons won three straight to get in. The Arizona Cardinals (9-7) host the Atlanta Falcons (11-5), Saturday Jan 3, for some NFL Wild Card Weekend action. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Falcons as -1 ½ point road favs over the Cardinals with the over/under set at 51 points. Get your Arizona Cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Playoff Predictions in now at Sportsbook.com
The Cardinals ended their regular season on a downward spiral after winning just two of their last six games. At home they are 6-2 SU where they’ve averaged 30.2 ppg and they’ve given up an average 22.2 ppg. But, in their last three games they’ve only mustered up an average 18.3 ppg and they’ve given up an average 34.3 ppg. Not the way you want to enter the playoffs! QB Kurt Warner has 16 touchdown passes for 4,583 yards with 14 interceptions in 16 starts. Their overall offense is ranked fourth best in the league averaging 365 yards a game, thanks to their second ranked passing game that’s good for 291 yards per-game. Their running game sits horribly ranked 32nd in the league averaging 73 yards a game. WR Larry Fitzgerald leads the Cards with 12 touchdowns. Their overall defense is ranked 18th in the league allowing 331 yards per-game, thanks to their 16th ranked rush defense that allows 110 yards a game, they are average against the pass with a 22nd ranked pass defense that gives up an average 221 yards per-game. The Cardinals are 9-7 ATS and 11-5 over/under.
The Falcons ended their regular season winning three straight and five of their last six games. On the road they are 4-4 SU where they’ve averaged 19.2 ppg and they’ve given up an average 20.1 ppg. During their three game win streak, at the end of the regular season, they’ve averaged 22.7 ppg and they’ve given up an average 18 ppg. QB Matt Ryan has 16 touchdown passes for 3,440 yards with 11 interceptions in 16 starts. Their overall offense is ranked sixth best in the league averaging 360 yards a game, thanks to their second ranked running game that’s good for 152 yards per-game. Their passing game sits idly ranked 14th in the league averaging 208 yards a game. RB Michael Turner leads the Falcons with 17 touchdowns. Their overall defense is ranked 24th in the league allowing 347 yards per-game, no thanks to their 25th ranked rush defense that allows 126 yards a game, they are just as bad against the pass with a 21st ranked pass defense that gives up an average 220 yards per-game. The Falcons are 9-7 ATS and 7-9 over/under.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Falcons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite of 0.5-3.0.
- Falcons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
- Falcons are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games on grass.
- Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.
- Cardinals are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog.
- Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
- Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Arizona Cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Playoff Predictions
When: Sat, Jan 3, 2009 4:30 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Falcons -1 ½
Point-Spreads.com Arizona Cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Playoff Predictions
The Bottom Line: The Falcons have had a tougher road to the post season and they produced winning results. The Cards have floundered into the post season and their defense has been anything less than great. Go Falcons! Get your Arizona Cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Playoff Predictions in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
