Eagles vs Cardinals Matchup Not Receiving Same Attention

Is it me, or is the Ravens vs Steelers matchup the sexy matchup of the weekend? No, it’s not only me. The guys at endzonebetting seem to agree.

This Eagles vs Cardinals matchup is the game that I want to see, in my opinion. We’ll either have Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid factoring in Super Bowl XLIII odds roughly one month after the Philadelphia media wanted both to be fired/released. Now the Philadelphia media could be betting on their team on the Super Bowl 43 lines.

Or how about the story lines with the Cardinals. From Kurt Warner, leading another team to the Super Bowl at age 37. From Matt Leinart watching on the bench, or Edgerrin James a crack at a Super Bowl while Peyton Manning is at home watching, this Eagles vs Cardinals matchup has many enticing themes.

You could also have Ken Whisenhunt going up against his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, or John Harbaugh going up against his former mentor, Andy Reid.

Storylines galore, but I still have to side with the experience of the Eagles.

NFL Conference Championships

Super Bowl XLIII, otherwise known as Super Bowl 43 is just around the corner. And by just around the corner, I mean that there are the Conference Championships, a week off (soon to be the week that the Pro Bowl is played), and then the Super Bowl.

Eagles vs Cardinals matchup: Eagles -3

The Arizona Cardinals were not expected to be here. Not even their fans expected them to be here as the Cardinals needed two extensions to sell out their stadium in the Wild Card round.

The problem for the Cardinals in this Eagles vs Cardinals matchup is that the Eagles are the perfect kryptonite to the Cardinals. The Eagles have an excellent passing defense and a solid passing offense. The Cardinals offense is a one-dimensional passing unit while their defense has allowed the most passing touchdowns in the NFL.

The Eagles will find a way to pressure Kurt Warner and get the job done.

Eagles vs Cardinals pick: Eagles -3

Ravens vs Steelers matchup: Steelers -6

The Ravens and Steelers will meet up for a third time this season and the question is whether the Steelers have the Ravens number or whether beating a team three times in one season is too difficult.

The Ravens vs Steelers matchup will be extremely physical. Both teams rank atop the league in total and scoring defense.

The main difference between the teams should be the extra week off for the Steelers. Let’s face it, the Ravens are a very physical team but they’ve played football for 17 straight weeks. The Steelers had a bye week last week and should be more fresh for this contest.

But even so, sportsbook odds have the Steelers favored by six even though both contests this year were decided by less than six points. Steelers probably win but it’s a close one.

Ravens vs Steelers pick: Ravens +6

Monday Night Betting

Yes, I’m in that mood like the guy in those ESPN Monday Night Football commercials who can’t wait for Monday Night Football odds.

For the game, I’m not sure whether I would want to lay so many points with my sportsbook, though. Ten points is a lot and San Francisco is off of a bye week. Does a bye week mean anything? (See: Carolina, New Orleans and San Diego).

How about a teaser? Maybe tease down Arizona to 2.5 but tease it with what?

I like the Indiana Pacers in basketball betting – I don’t have much faith in Oklahoma City on back-to-back nights.

I also like Duke minus the points, which is a huge spread at about 36.5. But that’s what I’m teasing with Arizona. Arizona -2.5 and Duke -30.5 – Presbyterian is an awful team.