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Arizona Cardinals vs Denver Broncos preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Cameron La Fontaine

Sep 21, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) jogs off the field following a 26-20 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) jogs off the field following a 26-20 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos

The Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos head into a much anticipated NFL Sunday in an inter-conference game between two teams that have good chances at the playoffs. Both teams come off of bye weeks, but the 2-1 Broncos are favored over the undefeated Cardinals at Sports Authority Field Sunday. Peyton Manning and the high powered Broncos offense will try to overtake Patrick Peterson and a skilled Cardinals defense.

Date: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014
Start Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: Denver, Colorado
Stadium: Sports Authority Field
TV Info: CBS
Live Stream: DirecTV Sunday NFL Ticket
Radio: ARIZONA: KTAR 620 AM / DENVER: 805 KOA Radio

Ticket information: For Arizona Cardinals ticket info click here. For Denver Broncos ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a big win against the San Fransisco 49ers and are posting a 3-0 record, one of just two undefeated teams in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cardinals are playing well even with a bad quarterback situation. Palmer had to sit out against the 49ers with a shoulder injury, but Drew Stanton replaced him well. Palmer is questionable for Sunday’s game. If the Cardinals powerful defense with Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu in the secondary can contain Peyton Manning’s deep throws, they obviously have a real shot. On offense, the Cards need to get Andre Ellington involved. He’s a real weapon, a quick, powerful back that also can run routes. If Arizona can get this victory in Denver, they’re going to be looking really good at 4-0 with wins against the 49ers, Chargers and Broncos.

The Denver Broncos got great news as Linebacker Danny Trevathan, who sat out the first three regular season games, is expected to make his season debut Sunday afternoon. Trevathan suffered a fracture at the top of his tibia in Broncos camp on August 12th, missing approximately 6-to-8 weeks. Getting him back will add a new dimension to the Broncos defense, that can hopefully contain the mediocre Arizona offense. Peyton Manning and the Broncos will need to beat the Cardinals defense by outsmarting them. Even if it means playing small ball to get the first down. The Broncos love screen passing and should use that to their advantage. Denver’s run game has also been nonexistent. The team currently ranks 27th in the NFL with 75.3 yards yards per game, with starter Montee Ball averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. They need to get a running game going against Arizona if they’re going to set up the pass.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: DEN -7.5
O/U: 47.5

Prediction

Much of this has to do with whether or not Carson Palmer plays, but regardless I see the Broncos finally cracking the Cardinals defense. Arizona hasn’t played a top notch offense like the Broncos yet and Peyton Manning along with Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker and company will overtake the Cardinals defense in a game that comes down to the fourth quarter. Denver wins in double digits, in a good game. The Cardinals will continue to shine through the season and who knows, these two teams may meet again in February.

Final Score: Arizona Cardinals 21, Denver Broncos 31

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