Two weeks ago, the Arizona Cardinals were in control of the NFC West and in good position in the NFC. Now, following a loss on the road in Seattle, the footsteps behind the Cardinals are suddenly much closer. Arizona still leads the division and is tied for the best record in the NFL, but its margin for error has shrunk. That makes Arizona's game against Atlanta on Sunday even more important.
Cardinals vs. Falcons 2014 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Although their seasons have gone down very different paths this season, the Falcons and Cardinals will both have plenty to play for on Sunday in Atlanta.
Heading into Seattle, The Cardinals held a three-game lead in the division. The loss to the Seahawks cut the lead to two games and Seattle's win on Thanksgiving narrowed Arizona's advantage to a game and a half. A loss to Atlanta would leave Arizona up just a game, with multiple NFC West games remaining. Of course, Arizona can buy itself some comfort by winning on the road. The game could come down to Arizona's ability to stop the pass. With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and company, the Falcons like to air it out. While Arizona is second in the NFL in points allowed per game, the Cardinals are vulnerable against the pass, allowing 7.4 yards per attempt, 17th in the NFL.
Despite their 4-7 record, the Falcons remain in the thick of the playoff race. Heading into the week, the Falcons are tied with New Orleans for the best record in the NFC South. The Falcons have won two of their last three games and the only loss game on a last-second field goal last week against Cleveland. The Falcons are a flawed team, however, and the pass defense is the most-glaring weakness. Atlanta allows the most passing yards per game and is No. 31 in terms of yards per attempt, allowing 8.2 YPA. It will be up to Arizona's Drew Stanton to exploit that weakness. Starting in place of the injured Carson Palmer, Stanton has been up-and-down this season. He played very well against Detroit in Week 11, but struggled mightily against Seattle, averaging 5.7 YPA on 26 attempts.
How to Watch
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
When: 4:05 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
Despite Arizona's apparent advantage on paper, the game opened with even odds, according to OddsShark. The line has since shifted slightly toward Arizona since, with the Cardinals as much as a 1.5-point favorite.
Further Reading
For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic. If you want more on the Cardinals, check out Revenge of The Birds.
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