Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots NFL Picks & Betting Odds

The Arizona Cardinals could potentially finish the regular season at 8-8 if they lose each of their next two games, but it will not matter as they have already clinched the NFC West title and a playoff berth. Meanwhile, the Patriots currently have a better record at 9-5 but could be on the outside looking in when it’s time for the playoffs to start. They are currently tied with the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins atop the AFC East. Odds makers are confident that New England will take care of business in this must win game, listing the Patriots as 7.5-point favorites with the total set at 43.5.

At first glance, this NFL betting line may seem a little high, but we can’t forget that the Cardinals have lost three of their last four straight up and against the spread and have struggled on the east coast. The Cards have lost to the Redskins, Jets, and Panthers and they have not won a road game all season outside of their division. Plus, New England is a perfect 4-0 straight up and against the spread in the last four meetings in this series.

The Cardinals are coming off a blowout loss at home, of all places, to NFC North leading Minnesota as it appeared the Vikings just wanted it more in a must-win game for them. This will be a must-win game for the Patriots so will the Cards just roll over again? They will be better served not to as bringing some momentum into the playoffs is never a bad thing. New England’s defense has been susceptible through the air this season, and it will be tested by former NFL MVP Kurt Warner. Warner leads one of the NFL’s elite passing offenses and was 29-of-45 for 270 yards with one touchdown and one interception last week. He has been one of the best QB’s in the NFL all season and enter this week’s game with 4,290 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. While the offense figures to move the ball through the air on New England, if the weather agrees, the defense also figures to give up points as it is allowing 28.7 ppg on the road this season. Still, if you anticipate a shootout, you have to like Arizona plus the points. Bet the Cardinals at +7.5 at BetUS.

The Patriots have long been the most dominant force in the AFC and they know they must win at home this week as the Jets and the Dolphins are both facing far inferior opponents. The problem could be that home field has not been as kind to the Pats as they are used to it being. New England is only 4-3 at home this season and have only beaten the NFL odds two times in those seven games. The Patriots bring in some momentum, having won back-to-back games, but those wins were against the Seahawks and the Raiders. They know to expect a stronger effort from the Cards this week. Matt Cassel is quickly becoming a force in this league and is earning himself a starting job somewhere with the way he has performed this season. He has thrown for 3,270 yards and 18 touchdown strikes this season and it doesn’t hurt having two of the NFL’s best receiver to throw to. Wes Welker and Randy Moss have combined for nearly 2000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns this season. If you like New England at home this week, bet the Patriots at -7.5 at BetUS.

Follow Jimmy Boyd’s NFL picks to yet another winning week on the gridiron.

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