Arizona Cardinals Have 16 Reasons to be Happy About NFL Schedule
By Scott Allen
When the NFL Schedule came out earlier today, first glance at the Arizona Cardinals schedule and you say to yourself, "what, no primetime games?". Well, that should be the biggest worry for Cards fans because the NFL this time around was very kind to the Cards.
Not only do the Cardinals get to open the season at home against the Carolina Panthers, they also get to finish the season at home against the Seattle Seahawks. They have three road games in a row in November, however, that is followed by three straight home games in December. So, if there are any complainers, take it up with the NFL. You won't find any complaints here. By virtue of last season's win-loss records, the Cards have the easiest schedule in the NFL in 2011.
Here is a break down of game by game:
Week 1: vs. Carolina - a good way to start the season. Carolina will be looking to start off well after a disaster of a 2010 season. My prediction: Arizona 22 Carolina 12
Week 2: @ Washington - another September visit for the Cards to the nation's capital. Another unpredictable outcome. Probably comes down to another late FG. Washington 23 Arizona 20
Week 3: @ Seattle - Seattle's home opener. Arizona should have won last season and they weren't very good. I say the Cards get back to winning ways up north. Arizona 21 Seattle 17
Week 4: vs. New York Giants - Gmen come to town and look to revenge 2009's loss in the Meadowlands. Giants probably too much for Cards. New York 28 Arizona 20
Week 5: @ Minnesota - will we see a replay of the 2010 contest in Minnesota where the Cards blew a large lead to lose late? Possible. Minnesota plays tough at home. Minnesota 31 Arizona 16
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: vs. Pittsburgh - Big bad Ben comes to town. This might end up being as exciting as the 2007 contest that saw the Cards prevail 21-14. Arizona 23 Pittsburgh 21
Week 8: @ Baltimore - if you think this will be close, think again. Ravens will be way too much for Cards to handle. Baltimore 30 Arizona 10
Week 9: vs. St. Louis - Cards need to revenge last season's loss at home to the Rams. I think they get it done this time, although this is an improving Rams team. Arizona 29 St. Louis 21
Week 10: @ Philadelphia - Let's just hope this isn't a repeat blowout of 2008 when Arizona went to Philly and got blasted 48-20. I still think the Eagles out-class the Cards. Philadelphia 35 Arizona 22
Week 11: @ San Francisco - this is always a tough contest for the Cards, no matter the rosters. San Francisco 20 Arizona 13
Week 12: @ St. Louis - why not go for the sweep? Only three weeks removed from the first meeting. Arizona 24 St Louis 21
Week 13: vs. Dallas - I always love when the Cowchips come to town. Always full of themselves and always leaving disappointed, at least the last couple of times. Add one more to the list. Arizona 30 Dallas 27
Week 14: vs. San Francisco - I think the Cards play much better this time around for the Niners visit. Cards should be jelled together enough by this time that Arizona can finally eek out a win over the Niners. Arizona 17 San Francisco 14
Week 15: vs. Cleveland - this should be an interesting game. Could be a defensive battle, however Cleveland has Patrick Hillis and a good running attack could hurt the Cards. I still think home field makes an assist here though. Arizona 21 Cleveland 20
Week 16: @ Cincinnati - a nice time for a road victory, although it is back east and most likely going to be cold. I'll give the Cards the benefit of the doubt though. Arizona 9 Cincinnati 7
Week 17: vs. Seattle - let's finish out the season with a win at home and help usher in a return to the playoffs. Arizona 33 Seattle 24
Cards go 10-6. Works for me. Hey, I can dream can't I??