Arizona Cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons Preview, Prediction

The 9-2 Arizona Cardinals head east to face the 4-7 NFC South leading Atlanta Falcons

TV: FOX 10 Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), John Lynch (color)

Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM  Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Ron Wolfley (color), Paul Calvisi (sidelines)

Time: 2:05 p.m.

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta GA

The Arizona Cardinals face a familiar foe in the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.  The last time the Cardinals went to Georgia they jumped out to a 13-0 lead over the Falcons thanks to the Cardinals defense.  The Falcons came back and won 24-19.

More from Cardinals News

• Would Jonathan Gannon be a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals?
• Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker right in his take regarding the next coach
• Arizona Cardinals: 3 reasons new coach should want to work with Murray
• Arizona Cardinals special teams could be completely revamped in 2023
• Jonathan Gannon will interview with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday

The Cardinals had little offense to speak of that day thanks to uncertainty at quarterback.  The Cardinals are certain who their quarterback is Sunday but there are still a lot of questions to answer coming off just a three-point effort last week at the Seattle Seahawks.

As for the Falcons, they still have Matt Ryan at quarterback.  He threw six interceptions in that victory two years ago.  Last year the Falcons came into University of Phoenix Stadium and lost 27-13 to the Cardinals.  Quarterback Carson Palmer threw a couple of touchdowns. Running back Andre Ellington ran for 154 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown.

Keys to victory:

For the Cardinals they need to get the offense going like they did last October in Glendale.  Quarterback Drew Stanton needs to keep doing what he has been doing.  Don’t be afraid of the long ball.  He is going to need help from his receivers though.  Receiver Jaron Brown dropped a touchdown pass last week.  Receiver Larry Fitzgerald is a game-time decision as to whether he will play or not.

They also need to limit the penalties.  Last week they had a huge reception brought back thanks to a Rob Housler hold.  Being on the road, even against a 4-7 team like the Falcons, they need to limit the mistakes.

As for the defense, just do what you’ve been doing.  Cardinals coach Bruce Arians called out defensive end Calais Campbell needing to play better and that was after three sacks.  Even Campbell suggested he could do better.  They will need to create pressure all day.  Don’t change what has gotten you to this point.

For the Falcons, Ryan needs to limit turnovers.  The Cardinals have torched him the past couple of seasons.  He is still a dangerous player though.  He may or may not be with receiver Roddy White.  He is also a game time decision.

Odds:

Arizona -1.5

Moneyline:

Arizona -118

Atlanta +107

O/U: 45.5

Prediction:

Arizona 20 Atlanta 19