Arizona Cardinals game by game predictions, quarter 3

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson (26) celebrates an interception with safety Deone Bucannon (20) against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson (26) celebrates an interception with safety Deone Bucannon (20) against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Paul Worrilow (55) tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) after a reception in their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 29-18. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Paul Worrilow (55) tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) after a reception in their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 29-18. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 12: @Atlanta Falcons 11:00 a.m. FOX

It will be the second consecutive early Sunday game for the Cardinals in week 12.  It will be interesting to see how the Cardinals handle the week between the Vikings and Falcons games.

The two teams did not play one another in 2015.  The last time these two got together was in November 2014 when the Falcons surprised the Cardinals by dominating them 29-18.  The score does not indicate just how much the Falcons handled the Carson Palmer-less Cardinals.

The good news: As long as he is healthy, this one will have Palmer as the starter and not Drew Stanton.  This was also the game in which Andre Ellington was lost for the season.  The running game is much better now.

The bad news: Atlanta is a better team now than in November 2014 as well.  They still have Matt Ryan at quarterback.  They have a different coach this time in Dan Quinn.  They are a tougher defensive team.

Prediction: All of that still doesn’t mean the Cardinals can’t come in and take care of business.  After two losses in their last three games, that is exactly what I expect to happen.

Cardinals 34 Falcons 28

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