NFL Free Picks - Arizona Cardinals Vs Atlanta Falcons

Arizona Cardinals (1-0, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 Road) will face Atlanta Falcons (0-1, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 Road). The Cardinals are coming off a sloppy road win over the Rams where their offense showed their inconsistency and the defense held tight against Sam Bradford in the 4th quarter. The Falcons are coming a punishing OT road loss to the Steelers.

The Cardinals offense has struggled in the preseason and in game one with Derek Anderson and his inaccurate throws. The Rams blitzed DA to close the passing window and force hot routes that he frequently missed. WR Larry Fitzgerald have another week of practice to get some chemistry. The Cardinals will run the ball more with Beanie Wells expected some playing time in week 2. The Cardinals offense should be better at home in week 2.

The Falcons have 5 new starters on their defense from last year to improve a weak secondary. Pittsburgh played a conservative offensive plan in game 1 and it will be interesting if the Falcons try to blitz Arizona like the Rams. The Falcons offense slipped to 15th in rushing last year after being ranked 2nd. The Cardinals may even have a better defense this year will rely upon it for wins as their offense can not bail them out any longer.

The Cardinals should be able to run the ball on the road against the Falcons. DA threw for 297 yards and the Cardinals would have put up more points except for the TOs. The Falcons running game and the offensive line have some questions to answer if they are a top level running team.

Sharp money came in early on the Cardinals and the line has moved to current +6.5 Arizona despite most of the action (77%) being on the Falcons to cover. You have some reverse line movement hope you will take the Falcons.

Take the Road Dog +7 (buy the hook .5 to +7) Arizona Cardinals