Disclaimer: These picks are one writer’s views that should not be used for actual gambling purposes. I don’t say this because I’m anti-gambling, I’m all for it, I say this because I don’t want you to lose a bunch of money and swear off this site forever (as evidenced by last week).
In chronological order…
SATURDAY
Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
The Saints will be seeing a lot of Fitz...
I’ll tell you one thing about this game, you could put the over/under at 57 and I wouldn’t have a problem taking the over. Believe it or not, that’s actually the line. That should tell you something about what the experts think this game will be, a repeat of Arizona’s win over Green Bay last week. The other three over-under lines this week currently range between 42 and 45.5, so this game is predicted to have two more touchdowns than the others. Basically, what I’m getting at is, ignore the defenses and go with which team you think will score more points (or have the ball last).
Even with their no-show in Week 17, the Saints led the NFL in total offense this year, as they were the only team to average over 400 yards per game (403.8). If you didn’t follow the Saints this year, you might think they were pass heavy with Drew Brees, but in reality were very balanced, 4th in pass yards per game and 6th in rush yards per game. The Cardinals had a very difficult time stopping anyone last week, but particularly Aaron Rodgers (422 pass yards), so if they focus on Brees they could be hurt by the Saints’ running game.
One part of that running game could be a big difference maker this week, and that is Reggie Bush. Bush appears to be recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him earlier this season, and is back to making explosive plays out of the backfield. If the Cardinals send blitzers to try and disrupt Brees’ big play ability, look for screens and dump-offs to Bush so he can try to work in space. The Cardinals will have their hands full this weekend.
There is one major intangible factor which could help decide the game: momentum. The Cardinals are coming off a huge emotional win over an opponent that thrashed them in Week 17, while the Saints didn’t even play their starters in Week 17 and have lost 3 straight since starting the season 13-0. Whether the Saints are rested or rusty will have a big impact on this game, something to be weary of if you want to pick them. Rusty or rested though, do not underestimate the homefield advantage provided by the Superdome and their fans that have never been to a Super Bowl.
Another key, similar to Arizona’s last game, will be the turnover battle. Green Bay led the NFL in turnover differential, yet Arizona won the battle last week 3 to 1. The Saints’ defense has thrived on turnovers this year, forcing the second most in the league with 39, and returning 8 of them for touchdowns. If the Saints can get to Kurt Warner early, much like the Cardinals did to Aaron Rodgers last week; it will put them in a great position to win.
Bottom Line: If you are going to pick an underdog in the playoffs, you have to think they can win the game. I’m not 100% sure that Arizona can pull it off, but like I said at the top, I think the team who scores last wins, and with a 7-point spread, that’s enough for me to take the Cardinals and the points.
The Pick: Arizona (+7) Continue reading →
s). To give shout-outs where shout-outs are due, it all started when a good friend of the Cubicles, we call him E, and his significant other, we call her V, moved down there several months back. Their trials and tribulati
ons have been thoroughly (sparsely?) 
on a weekly basis. Everything from the ‘Have you seen this story yet?’ to ‘How many of the ’96 Seattle Mariners can you name?’. The first still come through the inbox, while the second are often sent as links that to the amazingness that is Sporcle.com. A great one came from one-time CubicleGM writer Kevin. You are creating a team for the ’95-’96 NBA season – who is on the squad? The rules:
Mid- to late-February
