Anybody else on the Cardinals +4 @ Cincinnati this week?
I think the Bengals are a little over rated. Cincinnati has a nice record, but it lost to every decent team on their schedule. The Cardinals on the other hand, have been (quietly) playing decent ball the last few weeks. Their defense has really stepped it up, and John Skelton has been getting it done (4-1 as a starter).
The Bengals offense isn't really anything special. Their biggest strengths on offense, running the ball and AJ Green, play into the hands of the Cardinals' defense. Patrick Peterson is legit as we all know. Looking forward to the match-up between him and AJ, a match-up I think Peterson will win. Cardinals' run defense is only giving up a respectable 4 yards a pop. Not expecting the Bengals to light up the scoreboard this week.
Fitzgerald & Co have a favorable match-up against the Bengals defense. Losing Leon Hall hurts for the Bengals. QBs have had success against the Bengals secondary (avg qb rating of 86.1). Skelton has been improving each week, and I think that continue this week.
I know this is an early start time for a west cost team, but the Cardinals have actually played well at 1pm (4-1 ATS). Both teams still have plenty to play for, so motivation won't be an issue. I'm expecting a close game.
Thoughts?