Arizona Cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons | Preview, Predictions, Odds & Free Pick | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 1:00 PM EST on FOX

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Arizona at Atlanta – The Cardinals pulled off a close one over in St. Louis edging out the Rams 17-14. It was an ugly win as QB Derek Anderson’s debut was dotted with miscues including coughing up one of Arizona’s four fumbles.

Anderson silenced the critics at least a little, completing 22 of 41 passes for 297 yards and a single TD, hooking up with Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald three times for 43 yards including the game-winner.

In the meantime, the Falcons struggled against a powerful Pittsburgh defense, in a 15-9 overtime loss. The difference was the Steel Curtain’s ability to shut down the Atlanta rushing attack, holding RB Michael Turner to 42 yards on 19 carries.

The Cards running game didn’t fare any better as running back Tim Hightower carried 13 times for 54 yards and lost two fumbles. He will likely be replaced in this weekend’s match up with preferred starter Beanie Wells who sat out due to a sore knee. His presence could ease the demand for Anderson to carry the load.

Ryan (27 of 44 passes for 252 yards) is not likely to receive that same reprieve, as Turner will run into a brick wall when he faces an Arizona defense that held Rams’ Stephen Jackson to just 49 yards.

The Cardinals have dropped their last four visits to Atlanta since a 27-10 win in the 1993 season finale, but I think this year breaks the streak.

The odds makers have the Falcons as a -6.5 point favorite with and over/under of 43.

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