NFC Championship – Eagles favored on road in NFC title game
Sportsbook odds: Good offense vs. a great defense
- WHO: Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Arizona Cardinals
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, January 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ
- KEY STATS: These two have split their last 10 meetings
- PICK: Philadelphia
If you picked either Philadelphia or Arizona while making your sportsbook picks before the season, you are probably a very happy player; it’s also very unlikely that happened. One of the most improbable NFC title games in recent memory takes place in Arizona on Sunday, as the NFC West champion Cardinals will host Philadelphia in NFL betting action, and the Eagles vs Cardinals line is giving the road team a three-point edge.
The Eagles’ defense came up huge in a 23-11 upset win to knock off the defending Super Bowl champions from New York, and this was an extra-special win for Philadelphia as it defeated a bitter division rival. Philadelphia forced three turnovers and held the Giants to three points in the second half of the game, while Donovan McNabb made big throws when it counted.
The 11-year veteran was 22-of-40 for 217 yards and two picks, but his one-yard touchdown to Brent Celek to open up the fourth quarter essentially sealed the Giants’ fate. He’s inconsistent, though, and it’s hard to tell which way he’ll impact Eagles vs Cardinals betting.
The Cardinals are known for their offense, but it was their defense that sparked a 33-13 rout of Carolina on the road as 10-point NFL betting underdogs. Arizona forced six turnovers, including five picks from Jake Delhomme. The Cardinals shut down the Panthers’ vaunted rushing attack, holding Carolina to 75 yards on the ground. After a touchdown run to open the game, Arizona didn’t give Carolina an inch defensively.
Kurt Warner was 21-of-32 for 220 yards with a pair of touchdowns and a pick, and the Cardinals also racked up 145 rushing yards. He’ll keep winging it to Larry Fitzgerald, who has been absolutely dominant in the postseason.
Eagles vs Cardinals odds have Philadelphia as a three-point NFL betting favorite on the road and, while these two teams have split their last 10 meetings, Arizona would love to avenge a 48-20 beating it took in Philadelphia in Week 13. The Cardinals had four turnovers in this contest and fell behind 24-7 by halftime, but they should put on a better showing at home.
STAN’S PICK: This will be a battle of Arizona’s high-flying offense against Philadelphia’s hard-hitting defense and, as it has been proven so many times, defense wins championships. Bet online with the Philadelphia Eagles to win the NFC crown.
For more online betting, Super Bowl betting and Eagles vs Cardinals odds, visit BetOnline.com’s Betting Edge.
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? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
