Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints: Preview, prediction

Sep 22, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) against Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (32) during a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The defense returns several key players such as safety Tyrann Mathieu.  Mathieu will be starting this season at 100 percent, something he was not when the 2014 season began after his torn ACL in December 2013. Also returning is cornerback Patrick Peterson.  Peterson will be the first to tell you he had an off season in 2014.  He looks to be back 100 percent and there was also a hint this week that Peterson might be back returning punts on Sunday as well.

New to the defense is linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.  He comes over from the Atlanta Falcons after missing the entire 2014 season.  He also missed a good part of training camp but returned in the final week to play in the final preseason game.  Rookie linebacker Markus Golden is another player to keep your eye on Sunday afternoon.

Odds (BETONLINE.ag):

Arizona -2

Moneyline: New Orleans +107, Arizona -127

O/U: 48.5

Prediction:

I picked the Cardinals to win this game the other day in my season game-by-game predictions.  I am not wavering.  The Cardinals are 8-1 in home openers as you see from the stat above.  Make it 9-1 after Sunday.  Cardinals 31 Saints 21