The Cincinnati Bengals host the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday Dec 24th, as the Bengals need a win and a Jets loss to make the playoffs. The Bengals moved into a tie with the New York Jets for the final AFC wild-card berth. NFL oddsmakers have the Bengals as -4 point home favorites over the Cardinals with the over/under set at 40.5 points. Be sure to get the latest Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals Spreads before making your 2011 NFL Picks Week 16.
Arizona (7-7, 2-5 V) got a 20-17 (OT) home win over the Cleveland Browns, in Week 15. It was the Cardinals’ third overtime win in seven games and have won six of their last seven. QB John Skelton, in relief of Kevin Kolb, completed 28 of 36 passes for 313 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
The search for meaning behind the Cardinals rise to a 7-7 record following a 1-6 start could lead to a basic conclusion. Yes, the defense has improved and QB John Skelton has shown a knack for stepping up his game in fourth quarters and overtime, but perhaps things are simply evening out. RB Beanie Wells needs six yards for his first 1,000 yard season. WR Larry Fitzgerald has eight receptions for 93 yards against the Bengals. CB Patrick Peterson has two interceptions and 11 passes defensed, even more important he has four punt returns for a touchdown. DE Calais Campbell, over the last 12 games he has 55 tackles, seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, an interception, a forced fumble and recovery and two blocked field goals.
Cincinnati (8-6, 3-3 H) kept pace in the AFC playoff race with a 20-13 road win, in Week 15. The Bengals won despite an off game from QB Andy Dalton, who was 15-of-26 passing for 179 yards with an interception and no touchdowns to end two lengthy streaks. He had thrown 107 passes before Josh Gordy’s interception in the third quarter and had thrown at least one TD pass in 10 consecutive games. Rookie A.J. Green had six catches and topped 1,000 yards for the season.
Despite coming in as winners of four-straight games, the streak will come to a halt against the Bengals as these Cardinals will go up against one of the league’s more solid defenses. This is a team that ranks No. 11 against the pass and ninth against the run. Make no mistake, the Cardinals offense will face a tough task getting the offense going against this team. In the last five games, the Cardinals have failed to score more than 23 points, which plays heavily into the Bengals’ favour. Cincinnati are an up and coming talented offensive group, with rookie QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green putting together an impressive run this season. With just one game standing in the team’s way, the Bengals should come up with the easy win.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Cardinals are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0.
Bengals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 16.
Bengals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
Bengals are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 5-0 in Bengals last 5 home games.
Over is 7-0 in Bengals last 7 games on fieldturf.
Over is 4-0 in Bengals last 4 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.
Over is 5-1 in Bengals last 6 games as a favorite.
Over is 5-1 in Bengals last 6 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals
When: Saturday, Dec 24th, 2011 1:00 EST
Pick: Cincinnati -4
Point-Spreads recommends you check the Cardinals vs Bengals Spreads before the game kicks-off.
The Bottom Line: The Bengals have something to play for and should get the win. NFL Point Spreads Expert Tyler Morgan went 2-1 ATS in Week 15, winning on underdogs Kansas City and Carolina to bring his NFL Predictions record to 73-39-4 for the season. Morgan, whose 2011 NFL Picks are hitting at 65% against the spread. Tyler’s moves have put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week. The good news for NFL Football bettors is – TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NFL Picks Free!
