Arizona Cardinals 2010 NFL Predictions: The Arizona Cardinals won the NFC West for a second consecutive season last year with a 10-6 finish. Many are anticipating a step back in 2010, though, as veteran quarterback Kurt Warner called it a career after the team's divisonal round playoff loss to the Saints. 2010 NFL Predictions at Sportsbook.com have the Cardinals listed at +225 moneyline odds to repeat as West champion, leaving them just behind the favored 49ers.
Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt has done a masterful job revamping the once moribound Cardinals franchise since arriving 
there almost four years ago. The team has never had a losing record on his watch and he even guided the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in February of 2009. Now Whisenhunt must build upon his already stellar work without the services of Warner, who threw for 3753 yards and 26 touchdowns (93.2 passer rating) last year.
The task of replacing Warner under center will most likely fall to former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart. Leinart was once the starter for the Cardinals but lost the job to Warner in 2007 after displaying little consistency on the field and a proclivity for partying off of it. The soon to be five year pro has a career 70.8 passer rating after throwing 14 touchdowns to 20 interceptions. Should he falter, Leinart could lose his job to former Browns signal caller Derek Anderson, who the club signed in the offseason.
Leinart will have ample opportunity to succeed with a strong supporting cast around him, including arguably the league's best receiver in Larry Fitzgerald (97 receptions, 1092 yards, 13 touchdowns). Fitzgerald's longtime cohort, Anquan Boldin, is now with the Ravens, but Steve Breaston and Early Doucet should pick up the slack as the two combined for 72 receptions and 926 yards a year ago. The team also expects big things from second year running back Beanie Wells. The Ohio State product showed great promise last season, rushing for 793 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.
Arizona's defense also lost a couple of big contributors in linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Antrel Rolle. The team did, however, add some experienced veterans in linebacker Joey Porter and safety Kerry Rhodes. While it is difficult to envision the defense improving dramatically upon 2009's 346 yard and 20.3 point per game averages, the unit should at least be around those numbers again this season.
Arizona Cardinals 2010 NFL Predictions: 9-7, Second Place NFC West.
Sportsbook.com Arizona Cardinals 2010 NFL Predictions:
Odds to Win the NFC West +225 (two of four)
Odds to Win the NFC Championship +3000 (Tied 12 of 16)
Odds to Win the Super Bowl +7500 (Tied 24 of 32)
Regular Season Win Total: Over 7.5 (-125), Under 7.5 (+105)
Get a 50% Deposit Bonus and $25 Free Bet at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN50 and start winning today!
