The new look Arizona Cardinals host the Carolina Panthers, Sunday Sept 11th, as both teams start new quarterbacks. The Panthers have won three of four over the Cardinals. NFL oddsmakers have the Cardinals as -7 point home favorites over the Panthers with the over/under set at 37 points. Start the 2011 NFL season off right by getting your bet on the latest Panthers vs Cardinals Spreads available now.
Carolina looks to improve on last season's league-worst 2-14 record and they’ll rely on QB Cam Newton's right arm. Coach Rivera has named the reigning Heisman Trophy winner his starting quarterback. He was impressive with his feet, rushing nine times for 83 yards and a touchdown. Newton is being counted on to push the Panthers back in the right direction. "We didn't draft Cam to be the savior," Rivera said. "We drafted him to help lead this football team." Despite the lack of preparation time, Rivera — San Diego's defensive coordinator the last three seasons — thinks his team can compete in the NFC South. "I'm optimistic about who we are and who we can become," he said. "Would I like to win them all? Absolutely. Do I think we can win 10? Yes. I think we can win 10." Four-time Pro Bowl wideout Steve Smith, who missed the first two preseason games with a hand laceration, is excited about catching passes from Newton after Carolina was ranked last in the NFL last season in total offense (258.4 yards) and passing (143.1). The Panthers will likely to continue to rely heavily on a ground game led by DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.
Arizona finished 5-11 last season and this season their offseason priority was ending the quarterback carousel that saw Derek Anderson and rookies John Skelton and Max Hall start games in 2010 following Kurt Warner's retirement. Arizona got its man by acquiring Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia. "I'm really happy we have him," said wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. " He's got a great delivery in there and when you look in his eyes you can tell he really wants it and we're going to all follow his lead." The Cardinals' rushing attack will be keyed by Beanie Wells, the unquestioned No. 1 running back following Tim Hightower's trade to Washington. Wells averaged just 3.4 yards per carry in 13 games last season after suffering a knee injury in the final preseason game. Chester Taylor was signed Monday after being released by Chicago and should add some backfield depth for the Cardinals, who lost rookie Ryan Williams to a season-ending knee injury Aug. 19.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Panthers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Panthers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 1.
Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in September.
Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals
When: Sunday Sept 11th@4:15 PM ET
Pick: Cardinals -7
Point-Spreads recommends you check the latest NFL Odds before the Panthers vs Cardinals game starts.
The Bottom Line: Cam Ward needs more time to gel with the Panthers. Start the 2011 NFL season off right by getting your bet on the latest Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals Spreads available now.
