The NFC Divisional Playoffs will get underway at 8:15pm ET today in Charlotte, NC. The NFC West Champion Arizona Cardinals are set to face NFC South winner, the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in this FOX televised rematch. NFL Playoff picks at Sportsbook.com have the Panthers listed as a -9.5 against the spread favorite.
Cardinals Breakdown: Few people felt that the Cardinals would survive round one against Atlanta, despite the fact that the game was played in Glendale, AZ. But Arizona shook off a horrific end to the season, one that saw them lose four of their final six games, to get by the Falcons 30-24. The Cardinals high powered passing attack generated 271 yards in the win, but their defense starred as they forced Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan into three turnovers.
Arizona did not fare well on the road this season, going just 3-5 as a result of their 31 points per game allowed average away from University of Phoenix Stadium. Ken Whisenhunt's troops fell to the Panthers 23-27 back in week eight.
Panthers Breakdown: Carolina narrowly missed being the NFC's number one seed when they lost to the Giants 28-34 in overtime in week 15. Then they barely secured the NFC South title and the number two seed in week 16 with a 33-31 victory at New Orleans. The Panthers won four of their last five regular season games prior to last week's bye.
Carolina went a perfect 8-0 at home this season, winning by an average of 15.4 points per game. John Fox's team held opposing squads to a lowly 13.9 points per game at Bank of America Stadium, while they cranked out an average of 29.2.
NFL Playoff Picks Betting Trend: The Panthers are 9-1 straight up in their last 10 games as a home favorite.
Sportsbook.com's Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers NFL Playoff Picks Betting Odds:
Cardinals +9.5 (-110), Over 48.5 (-110), +330 (Money line)
Panthers -9.5 (-110), Under 48.5 (-110), -420 (Money line)
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