Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Cardinals have been 'Over' in two of their three playoff games but they face the league's top-rated defense this week. They have been running the ball more than passing it in the playoffs (100-95) but are averaging less than four yards-per-carry. Look for that pattern to continue against the attacking 3-4 defense of the Steelers. Pittsburgh has held seven of their last nine opponents to 14 points or less with only several turnovers against Tennessee and two 4th-quarter TDs against San Diego spoiling that mark. The Steelers have faced four of the 10 top scoring teams this season and held them to an average of 14 points. The Cardinals can score with the best of them and have scored 30+ points in all of their playoff games. They will have to go to the air more in this contest as they won't be able to sustain drives on the ground. The Steelers can rush the passer and face a relatively immobile target in QB Kurt Warner. He has a very quick release but will have to rush a lot of throws. This defense will be very physical with WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin and try not to let them get a clean release.

Pittsburgh averaged 21.1 points-per-game this season playing the league's toughest schedule. They want to run the ball but were stuffed by a very physical Ravens defense in the conference championship. Arizona's defense has really stepped up their play in the playoffs, especially their run defense. They very able to stymie the Panthers and Falcons' running games and they were both in the Top 3 in rushing this season. They have also forced 12 turnovers in the playoffs. QB Ben Roethlisberger tossed 15 interceptions this year and lost seven fumbles. He has been better in the playoffs but does play behind an O-line that has kept him on the move all year. WR Hines Ward will play but his great run-blocking will be affected by his injured knee. He is Roethlisberger's favorite target and the Steelers figure to try to run the ball more in an attempt to keep Arizona's offense off the field.

In Pittsburgh's 19 games this season, only four of them have reached 47 points. They play the type of defense that can stop offenses for a full four quarters as Def. Co. Dick LeBeau adjusts his sets throughout the game and never lets an offense get comfortable. If Arizona can't run the ball, they'll be forced to pass on long down-and-distance situations. That plays right into the hands of the Steelers defense. Pittsburgh's offense isn't exactly potent and they face a hot defense also. They generally make plays after the defense sets them up in favorable situations. We think this game will go under the number but it should be close.
Take the Under

The handicapping and sports wagering information contained on this website is for entertainment purposes only. Please verify the gambling laws and regulations in your jurisdiction as they vary from state to state and country to country. Use of this information in contravention of any law is prohibited. In particular, citizens of Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Washington State, Oregon, Nevada, Montana and South Dakota should learn the various laws on online gaming, as laws in each state may relate to participants, advertisers or those involved in the business of gaming.