Edgerrin James and Willie Parker were not big factors for their teams during the regular season, but both players have suddenly become relevent in the playoffs. Just a few short weeks ago James was clamoring about wanting out of Arizona due to his microscopic role in the Cardinals offense, but now the team is on the verge of a Super Bowl title thanks, in part, to his efforts running the ball.
Superbowl Picks: Willie Parker vs Edgerrin James at BetUS.com are favoring Parker to have the more productive rushing day, as his yardage over/under is listed at 84.5 to James' 42.5.
Parker's numbers declined significantly this season due to a knee injury he suffered in a week three loss to the Eagles. He missed five games as a result of the set back and, consequently, failed to top 1200 yards rushing for the first time in three seasons. In the 11 games he did start, Parker rushed for 791 yards and five touchdown while averaging a career low 3.8 yards per carry.
The North Carolina product has had a nice post-season, carrying the ball 51 times for 193 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. Most of that, however, came in the Steelers 35-24 divisional win over San Diego. Parker lit up the Chargers for 146 yards and two scores on 27 carries.
Parker will be facing a defensive unit that has held teams to an average of 77.3 yards per game rushing in their three playoff games.
Edgerrin James was all but missing in action this season for the Cardinals. He did not perform poorly for the team, he was just rarely called upon to perform at all. Arizona had the fewest rushing attempts and fewest rushing yards in all of football this year, and James' numbers took a big hit as a result. The 10 year veteran had a career low 133 carries for a career low 514 yards (3.9 yards per carry).
However, the Cardinals decided to take advantage of James once the playoffs rolled around and it has paid big dividends for them. The former Miami Hurricane leads all playoff running backs with 203 rushing yards and 10 runs for a first down. His best effort came against Philadelphia two weeks ago when he carried the ball 16 times for 73 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and also caught one pass for a 16 yard gain.
James will have his work cut out for him against Pittsburgh's defense. The Steelers have given up an average of just 44 yards per game rushing this post-season while holding backs to a collective 2.4 yards per carry average.
BetUS.com's Superbowl Picks: Willie Parker vs Edgerrin James
Total Rushing Yards:
Edgerrin James Over 42.5 (-130), Under 42.5 (+100)
Willie Parker Over 84.5 (-115), Under 84.5 (-110)
Longest Rush:
Edgerrin James Over 9.5 (-130), Under 9.5 (+100)
Willie Parker Over 15.5 (-115), Under 15.5 (-115)
Rushing Attempts:
Edgerrin James Over 12.5 (-120), Under 12.5 (-110)
Willie Parker Over 21 (-135), Under 21 (+105)
Superbowl Picks: Willie Parker vs Edgerrin James Odds to be Super Bowl XLIII MVP:
Edgerrin James (+1200)
Willie Parker (+600)
Matt Foust won both of his conference championship plays this past weekend and he is ready to serve up plenty of Super Bowl action. Each individual play costs $15.00, however, Point-Spreads.com recommends purchasing Matt's NFL Playoff Package which includes all of Matt's Super Bowl props and picks from just $45.00.
