Dolphins vs. Cardinals: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

After an eye-opening performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, the surging Arizona Cardinals are soaring right now, winning their first three games of the 2012-13 NFL season.

The Miami Dolphins just lost to the New York Jets in overtime, 23-20 and saw more disappointing play from rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the receiving corps.

On the surface, this appears as if it will be a blowout, but it could be closer than you would think.

Here's a look at Sunday's game in Glendale.

Where: U of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ

When: Sunday, Sept. 30 at 4:05 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Listen: Miami Dolphins Radio Network, Cardinals Radio Affiliates

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Spread: Cardinals -6 (via Bovada)

I see the Cardinals covering the spread, but I think it will be a closer game than expected.

The Cardinals brought tremendous pressure against Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, but the Eagles' offensive line doesn't compare in the slightest to the offensive line of the Dolphins. I think that will help Miami put up at least more points than Philadelphia.

The Cardinals don't have a running game right now, which means they are relying on the arm of Kevin Kolb. But, he hasn't been half-bad so far and has yet to throw an interception.

I see the Cardinals barely covering the spread.

Over/Under: 39 (via Bovada)

I have the Cardinals and Dolphins combining for 41 points (see prediction below), so I would take the "Over" in this one. 

That's primarily based on the fact that I think the offensive line of Miami will give Ryan Tannehill some room to operate, and Reggie Bush could have a decent game (it looks like he will play on Sunday).

Therefore, the Dolphins should be able to score just enough points to cover the "Over."

Injury Report (via USA Today)

Dolphins

RB Reggie Bush - Knee - Probable

CB Nolan Carroll Jr - Achilles - Questionable

WR Marlon Moore - Hamstring - Questionable

DT Tony McDaniel - Knee - Questionable

CB Richard Marshall - Back - Doubtful

LB Austin Spitler - Groin - Doubtful

OT Artis Hicks - Neck - IR

S Kelcie McCray - Foot - IR

Cardinals

S Adrian Wilson - Ankle - Probable

RB Anthony Sherman - Hamstring - Questionable

DE Darnell Dockett - Hamstring - Questionable

TE Jim Dray - Knee - Doubtful

RB LaRod Stephens-Howling - Hip - Doubtful

TE Todd Heap - Knee - Doubtful

QB John Skelton - Ankle - Doubtful

OT Levi Brown - Ankle - Doubtful

G Jeremy Bridges - Thumb - IR

Fantasy Big Plays

Dolphins: Reggie Bush, RB

It's looking more and more like Reggie Bush will play on Sunday, and he will need to be available for the Dolphins to have a chance in (heck) of winning this game.

Arizona's pass defense—its secondary and its pass rush—has been formidable through three weeks, but the Cardinals haven't been as good against the run ("as good" being the key words). They have allowed 3.9 yards per carry, which puts them at 12th in the NFL, and LeSean McCoy averaged 5.4 yards per carry against them in Week 3.

Bush, of course, has been a leader for the struggling Dolphins this season. After rushing for over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns last season (as well as 296 yards and one touchdown through the air), he's rushed for 302 yards and two touchdowns this season, with 10 receptions for 72 yards. He's averaging 6.0 yards per carry.

Bush is your best chance of success starting a Dolphins player this week.

Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald, WR

The obvious play here is the Cardinals defense, but, in terms of players, Larry Fitzgerald would seem to be the logical choice.

Although the Dolphins held New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in check in Week 3 (big whoop), Jets No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes exploded for 147 yards on nine catches.

Miami as a team is allowing 7.6 yards per pass attempt (22nd in the NFL).

Key to Dolphins Win: Passing Game

Bush could get something going against the Cardinals run defense, but the passing attack for the Dolphins has to be there for them to eke this one out.

Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill has had a rough start to his NFL career, and it doesn't help that he doesn't have a good receiving corps.

Through three games, Tannehill has completed less than 53 percent of his passes for 6.03 yards per attempt and has put up only one touchdown to go along with four interceptions. He went 16-of-36 for 196 yards and had an interception against the Jets last week.

Against a Cardinals pass defense that has allowed just 5.9 yards per attempt (third-best in the NFL) and has posted 12 sacks, Miami's offense could get beaten up in a hurry.

The good news is that the Dolphins are ranked third in pass protection so far, according to FootballOutsiders.com. There's nothing like having a left tackle like Jake Long on your side.

Key to Cardinals Win: Passing Game

Miami's rush defense has actually been pretty solid so far (allowing 2.5 yards per carry, second-best in the NFL), and Arizona's running game has been mediocre (2.8 yards per carry, 30th), so it's probably going to be up to the Cardinals' passing attack to put some points on the board.

Since leading the Cardinals to a game-winning touchdown in relief of John Skelton against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, quarterback Kevin Kolb has been decent. The important thing to note is that he's thrown five touchdowns to zero interceptions this season, which works for the Cardinals because the defense is good enough to win games for them as long as there aren't a lot of turnovers.

Kolb is coming off his best performance of the season, going 17-of-24 for 222 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles.

Miami's pass defense can be exposed.

Prediction: Arizona 24, Miami 17

Bush may have some success against Arizona's defense, but I still don't have that much faith in Miami's offense. Even if Miami's offensive line holds up, the Cardinals' secondary is good enough to lock down the Dolphins' receivers.

I think Kolb will be able to find some room in Miami's secondary and do enough with Fitzgerald and Co. to lead his team to get three touchdowns and a field goal, particularly since he's playing at home.