ARIZONA CARDINALS

2012 Odds:
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Odds to Win NFC West: 10/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 75/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVII: 100/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 6.5

2012 Preview:
Offense:
The Cards have largely given up on establishing the run because of their tendency to fall behind early in games. But their power running game, featuring a man-blocking scheme and between-the-tackles pounding, still remains. Beanie Wells was moderately effective last year, though they’d rather have Ryan Williams taking a large portion of the carries as long as he’s recovered from knee surgery. Arizona largely runs out of its two-receiver sets, with an even split between two tight ends and fullback Anthony Sherman. The Cards get conservative in the red zone, where Wells gets a heavy workload and should continue to for as long as he’s able to remain healthy.

Kevin Kolb may get another shot in the desert, but John Skelton may also be the team’s Week 1 starter. The Cardinals got much more aggressive throwing downfield last season, especially letting Larry Fitzgerald battle for the 50/50 ball. They can do the same thing on the other side once rookie Michael Floyd is ready. They usually throw out of three-receiver sets, and while the No. 2 (Floyd or Andre Roberts) gets more reps, the Cards throw to the slot (Roberts or Early Doucet) underneath just as often. Even after the addition of Todd Heap, the tight ends were used sparingly. When they throw in the red zone, Fitzgerald is almost always the first look, and they’ll often force it to him even in double-coverage. The slot receiver over the middle is usually the second option down near the goal line.

Defense:
Partly because its subpar offense kept its defense on the field for the third-most minutes in the NFL, Arizona’s yardage allowed was mediocre. Although the points and sacks improved significantly, the defense did not score in 2011. DL Calais Campbell has put together four strong seasons since becoming a starter for the Cardinals. He does a nice job picking up blocking schemes and knows how to use his hands in traffic. Darnell Dockett remains one of the NFL’s better defensive linemen despite the fact that his sack numbers continue to decline. Daryl Washington is a bit undersized for an inside linebacker, but he moves like a defensive back. It could be argued that Patrick Peterson’s contributions on special teams last season (four return touchdowns) were more than offset by his inability to cover. Opposing quarterbacks will likely continue to attack him until he improves: He was targeted 112 times last season, a total that ranked third in the NFL.

Key Offseason Moves:
ADDITIONS
G Adam Snyder (from 49ers)
G Rich Ohrnberger (from Patriots)
LB Quentin Groves (from Raiders)
CB William Gay (from Steelers)
S James Sanders (from Falcons)

SUBTRACTIONS
WR Chansi Stuckey (released)
G Rex Hadnot (Chargers)
G Deuce Lutui (Seahawks)
CB Richard Marshall (Dolphins)
S Sean Jones (Lions)
S Sean Considine (Ravens)

2012 Schedule:
2012 Schedule Strength: 21.06 (4th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - Seattle
Week 2 - at New England
Week 3 - Philadelphia
Week 4 - Miami
Week 5 - at St. Louis
Week 6 - Buffalo
Week 7 - at Minnesota
Week 8 - San Francisco
Week 9 - at Green Bay
Week 10 - BYE WEEK
Week 11 - at Atlanta
Week 12 - St. Louis
Week 13 - at New York Jets
Week 14 - at Seattle
Week 15 - Detroit
Week 16 - Chicago
Week 17 - at San Francisco

StatFox Take: The Cards have the fourth-toughest schedule in the NFL, with road brutal trips to New England, Green Bay, Atlanta and the New York Jets. They also invite the Eagles, Lions and Bears to town. Without a legitimate starting quarterback or proven running back, this offense will continue to struggle. The defense will also be tested more this season in an improving NFC West division, Arizona is destined for at least 10 losses in 2012.
Prediction: UNDER 6.5 wins (-120)

All NFL Previews

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans

AFC West
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins

NFC North
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers - Thursday, August 30
Seattle Seahawks - Friday, August 31
St. Louis Rams - Saturday, September 1