2009 NFC Championship Prediction: Eagles vs. Cardinals

BetUS.com released their prediction on the 2009 NFL ga me between the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals. 

If the Cardinals (11-7, 11-7 ATS) are going to cover the 4-point dog tag imposed by oddsmakers when they take on the Eagles (11-6-1, 12-6 ATS), things sure as hell better be different than when the teams met on November 27, BetUS analysts point out.

"Philadelphia creamed Arizona 48-20 in that contest, which was the closest thing you'll see to a statement game from Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. A week after being benched by head coach Andy Reid in Philly's 36-7 pasting at Baltimore, McNabb went out and totally redeemed himself against the Cards.

"McNabb was 27-of-39 for 260 yards with four touchdowns for the Eagles, who cruised to the bank as 3-point home favorites. Philadelphia has been on a tear ever since, winning six of its last seven games both straight up and against the number including last week's 23-11 upset of the Giants as 4-point road pups.

"One thing that'll be different - and one thing that is crucial for Arizona backers - is their team is playing at home. The Cardinals' struggles on the road are well documented, although Arizona (+10) did roll into Carolina last week to stun the Panthers 33-13 for its first win away from the desert against a team with a winning record this season.

"Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is expected to return to the lineup after missing last week's game with a strained left hamstring. Boldin practiced on Wednesday, and if he continues to improve will be penciled in to saddle up opposite Larry Fitzgerald to form arguably the most dynamic receiving duo in the league.

"Another factor that could push the game in Arizona's direction is the recent play of its run defense. After having trouble stopping the ground game all season, the Cards held Atlanta's Michael Turner and Carolina's DeAngelo Williams to a combined 104 yards rushing over its last two games (2-0 ATS)."

Still, nearly every stat favors the Eagles according to the Gambling911.com Stats Squad.

Using the money line in road games off a division game, the Eagles record is 10-2 for the last three seasons.  And against the spread in all games off a division game they are 17-3 in the last three seasons.

Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com