Arizona Cardinals +4

[The DiB]

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?

[billysink]

Very well written post. I agree strongly with some of these points.

The problem with Cincinnati is twofold. For one, their early success was built around first year talent. The grind of a long schedule and the ability of teams to scout and match game plan against rookie talent will equalize and or neutralize that talent late in the year. Quite simply put, the league adapts to new talent faster than new talent adapts to the league. There is always a plateau or drop off in the effectiveness of new talent. No slight to their skill level and Green and Dalton are elite talents I believe; but the league has caught on to their strengths and has game planned to neutralize.

A.J. Green is dinged up. We are led to believe he will be out there on Sunday but it remains to be seen how effective he will be. Andre Caldwell is going to be out with an abdominal tear. Third down specialist Brian Leonard and fullback Chris Pressley still have not made it through a full practice and are game time decisions.

The offensive line is a bit dinged up as well with RT Andre Smith (ankle) and LT Andrew Whitworth (knee) still limited. Whitworth provides the blind side protection for Dalton.

Cinci is still a very good defensive team against the run. A half speed Beanie Wells (knee) is not a big threat in my mind. I am not a big Skelton fan either. You do not know what you get until you get it with him. He should be more than familiar with the system by now.

The key to the success of Arizona's offense is Todd Heap. While Todd was out for an extended stretch, teams were able to double down on Fitzgerald and leave the underneath seam in loose coverage. Heap's first game back in full speed was last week. A stellar pass defense could not stop this combo. Check the box score against Cleveland last week. Heap and Fitz had some fun. A depleted secondary without Leon Hall and a limited Nate Clements is in tough on Saturday.

Defensively Arizona has come on of late. I think they can still be beat over the top opposite Peterson. I do have my doubts that Cinci can field the personnel necessary to do so.

I will probably be on this one @ 4. I think it is a field goal game either way.

Good luck with whatever you decide everyone!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!

[iifold]

The problem with Cincinnati is twofold.

it's iifold...

John, I'd like to sell my Week 16 Play in the SBR Store...

[billysink]

it's iifold...

John, I'd like to sell my Week 16 Play in the SBR Store...

looks like someone may be digging a little deeper than the obvious.

Check my posts on those matchups.

[AL1322]

agree with u guys my simulations have arz covering and they have been very accurate...i see a fg game as well..gl fellas

[baskets]

i can't explain the strange smell of the farts that are exploding out of my asshole

a tint of egg?

[billysink]

i can't explain the strange smell of the farts that are exploding out of my asshole

a tint of egg?

Unfortunately that will probably be the most intelligent post you will ever make here.

That is OK. This is an equal opportunity website. Contributions from the challenged and less fortunate are always welcome.

Carry On.

[Bengals28]

You do know Patrick Peterson has been graded out as one of the worst corners in the league right? Morons watch espn and see him returning punts and assume he's doing good. Nobody can stop AJ Green dude.

[Preston09]

I like this play to but the fact that they squeaked one out against the browns last week is kind of scary.

[Koldazzice]

this is a no play if I ever saw it cinci by 7 at home in the cold really surprise you? although I do believe your on the sharp side I just think this is a no brainer no player

but GL with your wager

[BigDan]

like the points for sure..

[Jutzu]

+4 looks good, it's probably going to be a close game, winner wins by a field goal

[billysink]

I am off this play with the active rosters now posted. Cincinnati gets FB Chris Pressley back today and he is the absolute key to the run game.

With him I think they can establish some ball control. They also get some reinforcements today for the defensive line.

They are likely to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball so I am definitely off the Cards.

That is why I normally wait until game day rosters are finalized to make a play.

[D3 Mighty Ducks]

On the Cards +4.5

Wish I would of waited and got it at +5 but I still feel good about my 4.5

[D3 Mighty Ducks]

As soon as I posted that the line dropped back down to +4

Now I'm really satisfied in my +4.5

[Mr. Kite!]

I got Cardinals +5 (-110) at Bovada. I wouldn't be surprised if they win outright.

[The DiB]

GL everyone (especially everyone on the Cards).

[D3 Mighty Ducks]

GL everyone (especially everyone on the Cards).

Merry Christmas boys and good luck!

[dredmahawkus]

Arizona in a meaningless game going out east in the cold......dont they usually just fold in those games?

[k13]

Arizona in a meaningless game going out east in the cold......dont they usually just fold in those games?

Playoffs???

[The DiB]

They're still in the hunt. Need a win today.

[dredmahawkus]

ok I thought they were done.

[hondo5]

This bet is long done. Arizona might not get 3 more 1st downs letalone 14 points which is the min they will need at this point.

[paranoyd androyd]

one of the worst threads ever on a forum who in the world bets on the cardinals on the road getting any less than 14 pts? atrocious bet

[kgindy]

ok I thought they were done.

They are done they quit 1Q

[hondo5]

AZ is a trainwreck. People betting on AZ in this game should really stop betting.

[The DiB]

Here come the trolls

[drfunkmaster]

why i picked cardinals.... What a shmuck pick

[hondo5]

Lol trolls? AZ is down 20-0 and you're going to get on here and call other people trolls? Find a hobby you're decent at.

[D3 Mighty Ducks]

Bengals -1 for the second half to get our money back on this crappy Cards team

[kgindy]

Bengals -1 for the second half to get our money back on this crappy Cards team

I'm not on AZ but I'm thinkin u9.5 tt.

[The DiB]

Lol trolls? AZ is down 20-0 and you're going to get on here and call other people trolls? Find a hobby you're decent at.

I must have missed your play before the game. Surely you were on the Bengals since you came in here and started flaming. Link me to it?

1 unit play I'm buried

Flame away pal.

[convick]

AZ is a trainwreck. People betting on AZ in this game should really stop betting.

Games are 4 quarters long buddy.