Cardinals still flying low
Recently ripped by his ex-girlfriend for not being a super dad, quarterback Matt Leinart might need to mimic Superman to turn the Arizona Cardinals into winners.
One NFL wager that rarely fails is taking the Cardinals to go under their regular-season win total. They have not won at least eight games in a season since 1998.
Arizona’s total for this season is set at 7 1/2, and Vegas Insider handicapper Mark Franco is cynical about the Cardinals.
"A lot of people have expected the Cardinals to become a playoff contender for the past three years, but we haven’t seen it," Franco said. "And I don’t think we’re going to see it this year."
A panel of handicappers analyzed NFL win totals Tuesday during a free seminar hosted by Vegas Insider at Red Rock Resort. Franco played the bully and picked on Arizona.
Professional gambler Steve Fezzik took his shots at the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. Fezzik’s best bet is the Colts to go under 11 wins, though he bet it before the money line jumped to minus-170.
"I think 10 1/2 is still a good bet," Fezzik said. "The Colts are the weakest Super Bowl champ of all time. There is a legitimate chance that the wheels just come off. If they start to have injuries, they might crash and burn."
Indianapolis lost four starters from a poor defense and was stung by the retirement of left tackle Tarik Glenn, the blindside bodyguard for quarterback Peyton Manning.
Because the Colts are top-heavy with superstars, and commit so much salary-cap money to Manning, wide receiver Marvin Harrison and defensive end Dwight Freeney, their depth has suffered.
Fezzik said he normally dismisses the Super Bowl champ — the exception being the New England Patriots — and he offered no praise for Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy.
"The coach is middle-tier; he’s not Bill Belichick," Fezzik said.
Fezzik said it’s also wise to bet the Tennessee Titans under seven wins and the Oakland Raiders over five.
Franco (vegasinsider.com) also advised playing the New York Giants under eight wins.
The Cardinals disintegrated under the clumsy leadership of former coach Dennis Green and finished 5-11 last year. Green has been replaced by former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.
Leinart, who started 11 games as a rookie, has big-play receivers to work with in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. But running back Edgerrin James is one of many question marks.
"Defense and a weak offensive line will again be major problems for the Cardinals," Franco said. "They also play a schedule loaded with tough road games. I don’t see how the Cardinals can make a three-win improvement over last season."
