NFL Betting: Cards vs Titans

We were teased with a potential BCS Championship rematch with Matt Leinart getting the start over a concussed Kurt Warner facing Vince Young, who has returned to prominence after going 4-0 SU as a starter, and covering in every single game.

The Titans are getting a natural home line against the Cardinals, and if there’s any team with more momentum than the Titans, I’d like to see it. Sure, you can make a case that no team is playing better than Indy or New Orleans right now, but Tennessee is right on their heels and thundering towards a potential playoff berth after starting 0-6 SU. Believe it.

The Cardinals have firm control in the NFC West and are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games. Returning to the Super Bowl after losing to the Steelers I the M.O. for the Red Birds, and they’re going to need Kurt Warner under center to get there. A 5-1 ATS record on the road and a 6-1 SU record in their last 7 games certainly boosts their chances, but as I said earlier this week, Kurt Warner’s head injury is a huge concern for me.

It’s not like he’s a spring chicken. Warner is 38-years old and despite the eighth best passing offense on the road (256.0 yards) and 11th best road rushing attack, I think that Warner’s head trauma is a factor of concern for the Cards’ betting faithful. Tennessee is fully healthy on defense, and Cortland Finnegan could make life insanely difficult for a dizzy Warner.

Arizona Cardinals (7-3) vs. Tennessee Titans (4-6)

Sunday, November 29th --- LP Field, Nashville --- 4:05pm EST

NFL Betting Line: Tennessee -3 (46)

Giving the Cardinals even more headaches than Warner’s concussion is the presence of Chris Johnson and Vince Young running the option. The Cardinals rushing defense allows 103.2 yards per game, but rarely faces a dynamic threat like “The Coach’s Dream” or the blistering fast Vince. For his part, Young has 151-yards and a scoring touchdown in 2009 and has 623 yards and three touchdowns through the air this year.

No matter how much the Cards have rewarded their professional football betting faithful, hitting the road to take on the Titans (4-1 SU/ATS in their last 5) is a dangerous thought. LP Field is a loud place to play, and that could rattle the nerves of the Cardinals and Kurt Warner. If Warner is able to play at 100%, then I think this game smashes through the OVER, but it will be Chris Johnson and Vince who run roughshod over the Cardinals as the Titans win their fifth straight.

NFL Furious Free Pick: Tennessee -3 (OVER)