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Saints at Cardinals: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) signals to teammates during the first half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) signals to teammates during the first half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been a disappointing season for the Arizona Cardinals. They look to take out their frustrations against the visiting New Orleans Saints.

For the second straight season, the New Orleans Saints head to the desert looking for a win over the Arizona Cardinals. A year ago, Bruce Arians’ team lost only three regular-season games.

That’s obviously not the case this year. Both clubs have totaled only five victories and are on the verge of losing campaigns.

It’s been a rough season for Cardinals’ quarterback Carson Palmer, who one year ago was an NFL MVP candidate and set a franchise record with 35 touchdown passes. This season, the turnovers (17) are almost the equal of the aerial scores (20). He’s thrown 13 interceptions, lost four of his 14 fumbles and been sacked 37 times.

Odds

Line: Cardinals (-2)

Over/Under: 50

Meanwhile, what’s happened to Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees the last few weeks? Eleven games into the season, he threw an impressive 30 touchdown passes and had been picked off only eight times. But in consecutive setbacks to the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the prolific signal-callers failed to throw for a score and served up three interceptions in each contest.

The 16-year pro must now lock horns with the top-ranked defensive unit in the NFL. It’s also a team that has surrendered the second-fewest passing yards in the league. The Cards have given up 13 touchdowns through the air while totaling a dozen interceptions.

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The Saints need to run the table in order to avoid a third straight losing season and a fourth sub-.500 showing in five years. They could get back on track against one of the league’s most disappointing teams this season. Between the failures of Palmer and the ineptitude of the Arizona special teams, it’s have been a very long year for Arians and the defending NFC West champions. They could salvage some pride here and also keep alive their distant postseason hopes, for what it’s worth.

Pick: Cardinals 34, Saints 23

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