NFL Futures: The Arizona Cardinals covered the spread in 11 out of 16 games in 2013 as they jumped from a five win season in 2012 to a ten win season last year in their first season under head coach Bruce Arians, who continues to see a rise in his coaching credibility after winning the co-coach of the year honors with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 when regular head coach Chuck Pagano was out most of the season with illness and rookie QB Andrew Luck was learning on the fly in a memorable playoff season. Arians coached up the Arizona offense that was anemic in 2012 and presided over a defense that was among the best in the NFL. Now the question is if the improvement can continue. Arizona opened at BetDSI as a +2300 choice to win the NFC championship and at +4400 to win the Super Bowl. Arizona had an over under win total of 7.5 -145 over and +125 under.
Defense Delivers
Arizona ranked sixth in the NFL for total defense, seventh for scoring defense, and was ranked number one against the rush. QB Carson Palmer improved as the season went on to finish with an 83.9 QB rating and 4274 yards passing. Palmer should enter the 2014 campaign with confidence thanks to an upgraded offensive line. Arizona’s biggest challenge is being stuck in the NFC West with superpowers Seattle and San Francisco.
Handicapper’s Notebook
The Cardinals have covered the spread in 11 out of their last 20 home games against the spread. Arizona has gone under the total in just eight out of their last 19 home games. The Cardinals have lost just seven out of their last 20 away games against the spread with just eight out of their last 20 away games going over the total. Arizona has lost just seven out of their last 20 games as a dog with just eight out of their last 20 games as a pup going over the total. The Cardinals have gone under the total in just six out of their last 19 games as a favorite and covered the spread in just eight out of their last 19 games as a chalk.
Our Prognosis
The Cardinals big jump in board value last year will be hard to sustain for a second season.
