Multiple injuries at the quarterback position derailed a promising season for the Arizona Cardinals in 2014, as they limped to a 2-4 finish after a 9-1 start and fell to the Carolina Panthers in the wild card round of the playoffs. Coming into this season, guaranteeing protection for starter Carson Palmer was the top order.
Packers vs. Cardinals 2015 picks and predictions: Arizona a heavy favorite in battle of playoff teams
The Cardinals are on a huge winning streak and experts think they’ll get another one on Sunday.
Arizona has accomplished that goal this season, ranking among the best in the league in sacks allowed. The Cardinals have allowed just 23 sacks this season, fifth-fewest in the league. They have won their last eight games, and sport a 12-2 record going into a Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers are riding a winning streak of their own, scoring victories in their last three games. But those wins came against the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders, none of which are playoff teams. The Packers have also struggled at times this season, losing four of five games before the winning streak.
Still, Green Bay is 10-4 and has clinched a spot in the postseason, while the Cardinals have also secured the NFC West title. But seeding is still a big factor, and the Packers have not secured the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings lurking at just one game back. The Packers will play a home game against Minnesota in the season finale in Week 17. That matchup could end up deciding the division.
The Packers could help their cause with a road win over the Cardinals, but most experts are leaning toward the home team. Over at CBS Sports, the panel is unanimously picking Arizona to win. At ESPN, there are a few takers for Green Bay, with 10 of the 13 experts picking the Cardinals. Here at SB Nation, it’s a similar spread. The only one who doesn’t think Arizona has this one in the bag is Joel Thorman.
| Week 16 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark |
| GB vs ARZ | ARZ | ARZ | GB | ARZ | ARZ | ARZ | ARZ | ARZ |
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