Arizona Cardinals NFL Betting Odds

2010 Season

To say the Arizona Cardinals had a tough time of it last season is an understatement, considering they finished last in the NFC West (which was the worst division in the league) with a lackluster record of 5-11. And to make matters worse, the season before the Cardinals finished first in the division on 10-6. But then they did have the services of top QB Kurt Warner, who retired at the end of the season.

2011 Off Season

After Warner left the Cardinals at the beginning of last year, head coach Ken Whisenhunt probably thought he had his bases covered with QBs Derek Anderson, Max Hall, and John Skelton. However, he was wrong as neither player could fill Warner's shoes. Consider how Arizona averaged a meager 18.1 points per game last season to finish second last in total offense in the league. So, in the off season the Cardinals parted ways with Anderson as well as TE Ben Patrick, RB Tim Hightower, WR Steve Breaston, NT Gabe Watson, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, LB Gerald Hayes and DT Alan Branch. They welcomed QB Kevin Kolb, CB Richard Marshall, LB Stewart Bradley, TEs Jeff King and Todd Heap, DEs Vonnie Holliday and Nick Eason, and Gs Daryn Colledge and Pork Chop Womack. Using the 2011 NFL Draft, Arizona signed CB Patrick Peterson, TE Rob Housler, RB Ryan Williams, LB Sam Acho, LB Quan Sturdivant and FB Anthony Sherman.

2011 Preview

Offensively, the acquisition of former Philadelphia Eagles QB Kevin Kolb is expected to put the Cardinals' quarterback woes from last season behind them, as he has proven he can deliver in a pinch. After spending too long on the Eagles' bench last season, Kolb is undoubtedly champing at the bit to make his debut as a fully fledged starter. What's more, by all accounts WR Larry Fitzgerald is thrilled at the signing of Kolb, and if these two show the kind of on-field chemistry many NFL betting fans are expecting, Arizona could have chance to escape the NFL doldrums this season. Former Ravens TE Todd Heap is also expected to bolster the Cardinals offense, just as long as he stays off the injured list. Defensively, the Cardinals were run ragged last season due to the largely ineffective offense. But players who shined last season, and will no doubt continue to do so this season, include DL Darnell Dockett and LB Daryl Washington. Plus newly signed rookie CB Patrick Peterson is expected to make his mark this season. While there is still a big question regarding the Cardinals chances this season, between their new acquisitions and work down in the off season, they should be a far different team from last season.

2011 Prediction

With a QB that should be up to the job this season and a WR that is working well with him, the Arizona Cardinals are in a much better place offensively than they were last year. And if the offense can spend more time on the field than off it this season, it will mean less pressure for the defense. That's not to say the pairing of Kolb and Fitzgerald is the answer to all of Arizona's issues offensively, but it's good start, and one which may help to pull the offensive lineup closer together.

**Our Pick

It's important to remember that just two seasons ago the Arizona Cardinals came very close to making it to the playoffs. And if you consider last season as an anomaly caused by the departure of Kurt Warner, and believe Kolb and Fitzgerald can do great things, you'll may also agree that the Cardinals could be the ideal 'comeback kids' this season and finish up the season as high as second in the NFC West, with a record of 10-9 of better.

2011/12 Arizona Cardinals Schedule