It's the Cards against the world in Super Bowl XLIII

Cardinals Super Bowl betting: Cardinals fighting for the underdogs

• Cardinals open as seven-point Super Bowl betting underdogs
• Cardinals bring explosive offense, improved defense to the “Big Game”
• Unhappy Boldin could ruin Arizona's preparation

Cardinals Super Bowl odds have made the NFC champions a seven-point underdogto upend the AFC’s Pittsburgh Steelers, but Arizona players won’t pay attention to the online betting lines, as they’ve been underdogs all season, especially in the playoffs.

The Cardinals finished the regular season with a 9-7 record, good enough to win a dismal NFC West division. Arizona had the fourth-ranked offense during the regular season, led by Kurt Warner (4,583 yards, 67 per cent, 30 TD, 14 INT) and the three-headed receiving threat of Larry Fitzgerald (96 REC, 1,431, 12 TD), Anquan Boldin (89 REC, 1,038 yards, 11 TD) and Steve Breaston (77 REC, 1,006 yards, 3 TD). However, Arizona’s rushing attack ranked dead last in the league, although it’s been much improved in the postseason.

Defensively, the Cardinals were 19th in the NFL, led by linebacker Karlos Dansby (119 tackles) and a solid secondary. In the postseason, the Cardinals have taken their game to another level, forcing 12 turnovers in three games so far, including six in a 33-13 beating of Carolina in the divisional round.

Cardinals Super Bowl betting fans shouldn’t be afraid to go with the Cardinals, who have a decent 12-7 against-the-spread record this season; they were underdogs at Carolina and at home against Philadelphia. Cardinals Super Bowl betting players should also watch the over/under for the Cardinals Super Bowl odds, as the Cardinals’ explosive offense is always a possibility to go over the posted total.

There could be some issues with the Arizona that Cardinals Super Bowl betting players should note. Boldin was seen arguing with Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley in the late minutes of the Cardinals’ 32-25 win over Philadelphia in the NFC title game, and reports say he left the Arizona locker room through a back door immediately following the game. The Cardinals have a ton of weapons, but Boldin is crucial to their short passing game, as he opens up the field for Fitzgerald and Breaston to go deep.

For more Cardinals Super Bowl betting and Super Bowl lines, visit the Betting Edge at betonline.com.

Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?