Cardinals vs Saints Betting Odds – Cardinals ride underdog status, take Saints down to the wire

Saturday’s Cardinals vs Saints betting odds are backing New Orleans to wake up from their late-season slumber, but they’re up against an Arizona team that thrives on being the underdog. They have a perfect betting record as an underdog, and they’ll keep it perfect to keep the Saints from covering.

Sportsbook Odds: Saints -7, O/U: 57

The Storyline - Cardinals vs Saints betting odds
The Cardinals survived a thrilling 51-45 overtime win over Green Bay at home last week, allowing a 21-point lead to slip away before Karlos Dansby’s 17-yard fumble return ending this instant classic. The Saints lost their last three games of the regular season, but still ran away with the NFC South. This will be a battle of momentum, and Arizona has all of it right now.

Offensive Matchups: Cardinals vs Saints betting odds
This is likely to be Kurt Warner’s final season, and he began his last playoff run by destroying the Packers. Warner was 29-of-33 for 379 yards, five touchdowns and no picks, and the Cardinals were even missing the injured Anquan Boldin. The Cardinals even ran for 156 yards after averaging only 93.4 yards during the regular season. That they did it against the No.2 regular-season defense was even more impressive.

The vaunted Saints offense slowed down dramatically over the last three games of the season, failing to score more than 20 points after doing so in every previous game. The ground game was hurt by injuries to all of their running backs, which allowed teams to key even more on Drew Brees, who was a distant second to Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning in the MVP race. It’s hard to discount the Saints’ offense, but they need to get out of the gate fast on Saturday.

Betting Edge: Cardinals

Defensive Matchups: Cardinals vs Saints betting odds
To their credit, the Cardinals were going up against a high-powered offense in Green Bay, but they gave up 493 yards against the Packers, which may have the Saints licking their chops. However, like last season’s Super Bowl run, the defense seems to make big plays when they need to, hence, Dunlap’s play to end the game. They sacked Aaron Rodgers five times, while forcing five turnovers.

New Orleans suffered some late injuries to their improved defense, but safety Darren Sharper, who had nine picks and returned three for scores, should be healthy. So should tackle Sedrick Ellis, who is key to New Orleans’ run defense. Linebacker Scott Shanle should also be ready to go.

Betting Edge: Saints

Notable Injuries: Cardinals vs Saints betting odds
Boldin (ankle/knee) will work around the clock to get healthy for this week’s game, but the Cardinals received boosts as cornerback Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (knee) and safety Antrel Rolle (thigh) played major roles in the Green Bay win.

Receiver Lance Moore (ankle) is the main injury concern for the Saints.

Betting Edge: Draw

Over/Under Picks: Cardinals vs Saints betting odds
The Saints led the league in points, and must be considered a force despite their late-season problems. The Cardinals exploded against the Packers, and they’re playing in a dome. Even though it’s a high betting total, take the over here because of these two powerful offenses.

Pick: Over 57

Outlook and Pick: Cardinals vs Saints betting odds
These two haven’t met since 2007, when the Cardinals fell 31-24 at the Superdome. In sports, momentum is a huge thing, and Arizona has it in spades right now, while the Saints are hoping they recovered some of their swagger during their bye week. Arizona seems to be in “no one believes in us” mode, much like last year, and they’re also playing for their retiring quarterback. The Cardinals were also 6-2 on the road, 5-3 ATS away from home, and an amazing 6-0 as an ATS underdog. They’ll keep it close, and I wouldn’t be surprised by an Arizona victory, either.

STAN'S PICK:Arizona +7

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