With Palmer at QB, Arizona is difficult to beat
At the end of this season, when the Steelers look back on what they did, they might see last their 24-20 win at San Diego last Monday as a turning point.
After all, had Le’Veon Bell not gotten into the end zone and officials had ruled the game over – which would have been a disaster for the NFL because of a gaffe with the game clock – the Steelers would have fallen to 2-3 and been losers of back-to-back heartbreaking defeats.
As it is, they are 3-2 heading into today’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
That’s important because it appears there is a good chance starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might return from his sprained knee next week when the Steelers play at Kansas City.
Even with a loss today – more on that later – the Steelers would be in good shape in the AFC playoff picture at 3-3. Had they lost to San Diego after falling to Baltimore in overtime the week before, the Steelers would have drastically reduced their margin for error.
That brings us to today’s game.
Mike Vick has been, shall we say, shaky, while replacing Roethlisberger. He’s made a handful of good throws in each game, but he’s made an equal number that could have, or even should have, been intercepted.
Most of those have fallen incomplete.
If he does that today against the Cardinals, then he could see a much different result.
Arizona’s defense already has 11 interceptions, four of which it has returned for touchdowns. To put that in perspective, the Steelers haven’t had more than 11 interceptions as a team in a season since 2010.
The Cardinals also will pose a threat offensively. Quarterback Carson Palmer has thrown 13 touchdown passes, which ties him with Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers for most in the NFL. And the wide receiver trio of Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd is the best the Steelers will have faced to this point.
The Cardinals are 17-3 in Palmer’s last 20 starts and are 4-point favorites today.
Look for them to make that 18-3 with Vick making a big mistake or two to help make that happen.
Take Arizona, 27-17
Losing Jamaal Charles is a huge blow for the Chiefs. No player means more to his team’s offense than Charles.
Take Minnesota, 24-13
The Ravens shouldn’t be favored over St. Augustus High School let alone an NFL team on the West Coast.
Take San Francisco, 20-17
The Colts started the whole Deflategate issue. Think the Patriots want some revenge?
Take New England, 38-24
The Giants are banged up.
Take Philadelphia, 27-20
Deflating loss Monday night for the Chargers, who have to go on the road.
Take Green Bay, 31-20
If Tyrod Taylor was starting, then it would be tempting to take the Bills. He is not.
Take Cincinnati, 23-17
Denver has had two games in which it has not scored an offensive touchdown.
Take Cleveland to cover in a 20-17 loss
Things are looking predictable for the Seahawks. Win at home (2-0), lose on the road (0-3).
Take Seattle, 24-17
Jets are coming off a bye and can stop the run. All Washington can do is run.
Take the Jets, 21-13
Houston, we have a problem. That being the Texans have no quarterback.
Take Jacksonville, 26-20
The Dan Campbell era begins for the Dolphins after W&J grad Joe Philbin was fired as head coach last week.
Take Miami, 22-17
The Lions have too much talent to be winless.
Take Detroit, 23-18
Last week: 7-5 ATS; 9-3 Straight up
Overall: 41-30-2 ATS; 52-21 Straight up
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.