The Arizona Cardinals welcome in the Detroit Lions in NFL Football action today. The game is scheduled for a 4:25 p.m. start time and it will be televised live on FOX. Currently the odds for the game have the Cardinals favored by one point in this one.
Arizona got some bad news earlier this week when QB Carson Palmer was diagnosed with a torn ACL. Drew Stanton will not be the quarterback for the Cardinals, who welcome in the Lions in this battle of division leaders in the desert. Detroit comes in looking to pick up their eighth win of the season but Arizona is already there, sporting a record of 8-1.
Detroit has a very good defense that ranks No. 1 in the league in total defense. They also allow a league-low 15.6 points per game to opponents this season having only given up 142 points all season. Arizona's defense is also pretty solid by allowing just under 19 points per game, which ranks third in the NFL.
In a contest between two solid defenses, the offense that can move the football effectively will have the obvious advantage. Detroit has a ton of weapons on that side of the football as Matthew Stafford has Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate as targets on the outside. Reggie Bush has been hampered a bit by injuries this season but Joique Bell gives them a power back to run between the tackles when needed. Detroit does not run the football often, ranking second worst in the league at just under 78 yards per game.
Arizona will want to hand the football off to Andre Ellington to help alleviate some pressure from Stanton. The Lions will be bringing a ton of pressure on him in this game and Arizona can only slow them down by throwing screens and having a solid running attack.
The Cardinals have their best record since the 1948 season and largely have gotten out to the lead by winning the fourth quarter. Arizona has out-scored opponents 91-34 in the fourth quarter this season, but Detroit is also very good in the final quarter, having come from behind in their last three games overall to pick up three wins.
The Lions have the best defense in the league and are getting points in this one, which is always a good thing for the betting public to see and jump on. But even as square as that play may be, the Lions are in a good position here to make an their overall image improved throughout the league. Stafford and company will be able to score some points in this one and the defense should cause Stanton some problems. Look for the Lions to find a way to get it done on the road.
Free Pick: Detroit 27, Arizona 21
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