Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals Preview, Prediction

By Scott Allen | Nov 15, 2014

The 8-1 Arizona Cardinals play host to the 7-2 Detroit Lions on Sunday for the number one seed in the NFC

Here we go. We’ve been waiting all week for this matchup. The Detroit Lions, leaders of the NFC North, are here to face the Arizona Cardinals, leaders of the NFC West, in what many see as a possible playoff preview. The winner will be in the current number one seed position for the playoffs with six games remaining.

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Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell sees this as just another game but Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has told his team this week means a lot and it is for the number one seed in the playoffs. Either way it should be a good one in Glendale. The Lions lost to the Cardinals 25-21 last season in Glendale. The Cardinals have won the last five meetings between them, four of those coming in Glendale.

Date: Sunday November 16

Game time: 2:25 p.m. Arizona time (4:25 pm in Detroit)

Location: Glendale, AZ

Stadium: University of Phoenix

TV: FOX 10 (Phoenix) Chris Meyers (play-by-play), Ronde Barber (color analyst)

Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Ron Wolfley (color analyst), Paul Calvisi (sideline reporter); Sirius XM 225 (Internet 800) – Cardinals feed, Sirius XM Internet 810 – Lions feed

Live Stream: Watch NFL Live

Ticket info: Arizona Cardinals click here

Keys to victory

Much has been made about the loss of quarterback Carson Palmer for the Arizona Cardinals. It is a huge loss but Drew Stanton is more than able to come in and get the job done. The Cardinals offensive line has a big day in front of them. They will need to give Stanton time to step into the pocket and find his targets.

The running game of the Cardinals will also need to come up big. They only rushed for 28 yards last week against the St. Louis Rams. If they want to help Stanton out, prolong drives and keep Stanton upright by effectively running the ball.

For the Detroit Lions on defense, they will have to create a huge pass rush, which many expect to happen. On offense, receiver Calvin Johnson has had big days in the past against the Cardinals. He will need another one on Sunday. He had six receptions for 116 yards against the Cardinals last season. Some think Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie, despite having played well over the past month, could have trouble against Lions receiver Golden Tate as well.

Betting odds

Point spread: Arizona -1

Money line: Detroit -103, Arizona +107

O/U: 41.5

Prediction

Arizona 27 Detroit 24

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