Cardinals vs Jaguars Odds - Arizona avoids East Coast jinx, edge Jaguars

Arizona was one of the online betting surprises of 2008. But having the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay highlighted an inability of Arizona to play in the eastern part of the country, as they seemed to have problems with the time change. Luckily, the Cardinals head to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars, who have more offensive troubles than Arizona.

Cardinals vs Jaguars Odds: Jaguars -3 (Total: 42.5)

• WHAT: NFL Week 2 odds
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 20, 1:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Jacksonville Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
  
• KEY STAT: Arizona was 2-6 in games on the East Coast in 2008
  
• PICK: Arizona; UNDER 42.5

Cardinals vs Jaguars odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Arizona stumbled in Week 1, falling 20-16 at home to San Francisco, and their offense didn’t come close to playing to their potential. The Jaguars also couldn’t overcome a sputtering offense, but they fought hard in a 14-12 loss in Indianapolis. The Cardinals are aiming to prove last year’s run to the Super Bowl was no fluke.

Cardinals vs Jaguars odds maker breakdown: Offense
After finishing fourth in the NFL last year, the Cardinals looked out of sorts against the 49ers. Kurt Warner was 26-of-44 for 288 yards and a touchdown, but he was picked off twice. Steve Breaston didn’t play, and Anquan Boldin is hurting, which meant the 49ers could double and triple-team Larry Fitzgerald, who still had six catches for 71 yards and a score. This is why Tim Hightower was the leading receiver, catching 12 balls for 121 yards out of the backfield. The ground game was terrible, gaining only 40 yards, and Arizona committed most of their 12 penalties on this side of the ball.

The Jaguars had 228 yards, but at least they were balanced with 114 yards through the air and on the ground. David Gerrard looked tentative, going 14-of-28 for 122 yards. Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 97 yards and a score, but he’d be more productive if the Jaguars would go down the field more often.

Betting Edge: Arizona

Cardinals vs Jaguars odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Cardinals had four sacks and pressured San Francisco pivot Shaun Hill all day, while holding Frank Gore and the rushing attack to 21 yards. San Francisco doesn’t have the best offense in the league, but those are solid numbers regardless. The offense will come around, but the defense fueled last year’s run, and they’ll be key to Arizona’s odds in your offshore sportsbook.

The Jaguars did very well to hold the Colts to 14 points in Indianapolis, and even though Peyton Manning threw for 301 yard, Jacksonville kept Indy from running wild. They also forced two turnovers out of the Colts.

Betting Edge: Draw

Cardinals vs Jaguars odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Neil Rackers hit all three of his field-goal attempts for the Cardinals, and Antrel Rolle did an excellent job replacing Breaston on the punt-return team, averaging 11 yards.

Josh Scobee missed one of his three field-goal attempts, but it was from 63 yards at the end of the half, so that’s not a big deal. Brian Witherspoon returned two kickoffs back for 54 yards.

Betting Edge: Draw

Cardinals vs Jaguars odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Injuries definitely had a hand in Arizona’s offensive performance last week. Breaston’s knee is still bothering him, and Boldin limped around with a hamstring injury. Safety Matt Ware may also miss this game, and the special teams will miss him.

Reggie Hayward, who led the Jaguars in sacks last year, is out for the season with a broken fibula and is gone for the season. This is a huge problem for a team that already struggled to rush the passer.

Betting Edge: Draw

Cardinals vs Jaguars betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Cardinals have been to Jacksonville just once, and they were bombed 44-10 back in 2000. That sounds about right for them, as Arizona was miserable on the East Coast in 2008, losing six of their eight games, including the Super Bowl. The Jaguars aren’t really a force at home, losing four of their last five during last year’s campaign. All the Cardinals need is a healthy receiver to keep the pressure off Fitzgerald, and with the loss of Hayward, Jacksonville’s pass rush shouldn’t be a problem. The Cardinals were 2-6 on the East Coast last year, but they’re facing a Jacksonville team that has no identity, and not much motivation.

In their last meeting in 2005, Jacksonville’s 24-17 win went under the total of 43.5. This game should also go under the total of 42.5, given the problems that both offenses are having. Jacksonville is just bad, while Arizona will struggle until everyone is healthy.

D.J.'S PICK: Arizona; UNDER 42.5

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D.J. Tomkins is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.