Cardinals vs. Rams: Take the Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are returning in 2010 looking to reload and get back to the Super Bowl, as they did with Kurt Warner at the helm in 2008. They will start their journey in St. Louis as they take on the hapless Rams. Last year, the Rams were the worst team in the NFL, sporting a 1-15 record, and hope to rebuild around first overall draft pick Sam Bradford. The Cardinals (-3.5) are favored in this matchup versus the Rams (+3.5).

Matt Leinart will take the role of starter for the Cardinals this year, and it will be a pivotal season for the direction his career takes. He is well beyond prospect status at this point and with his talent, should be an established starter somewhere by now. Despite his off-the-field issues, I think that his talent will shine through. After all, he showed that he can play in his rookie season which, unfortunately for him, has been the pinnacle of his career thus far.

He has Larry Fitzgerald to throw to, and Steve Breaston who is a decent secondary target. The Rams are a good team against whom to get his important season started off on the right foot. Their defense is just downright bad. Success against the Rams is easy as double-teaming Chris Long and throwing the ball to the open guy – and I assure you, someone will be open.

Sam Bradford will likely begin his career as the starter in St. Louis, and it will be a bumpy ride to start, just as it is for just about any rookie quarterback. Of course, it will be tougher for Bradford as he does not have too much support aside from Steven Jackson and Donnie Avery, as long as the two are healthy, that is.

This one is the week’s easiest pick. The Cardinals at -3.5 are the definition of “easy money.”

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