NFL Week 12 Picks: Giants @ Cardinals

New York Giants @ Arizona Cardinals

Sunday, Nov. 23 - 4:15 PM

Kurt Warner and the Cardinals host his former team, the New York Giants, in Week 12.

Warner's performance this year (3,155 Yards, 20 TDs, 7 INTs, 105.5 Rating) has made him a clear contender for a third MVP title, and he has made all three of his wide receivers shine in the process.

Anquan Boldin has the most receiving touchdowns to date (10), despite having to sit out two games with a broken sinus. Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Steve Breaston are all on target to have over 1,000 receiving yards this year, and Warner is on target to break 5,000 yards passing.

The Giants' standout wide receiver Plaxico Burress, on the other hand, has struggled this season, partially due to off-field issues, and the fact that QB Eli Manning has spread the ball around a lot more.

But the real success story for the Giants has been their running game. The three-headed monster trampled all over the Ravens last week in their 30-10 win (of course, the defense picking up two interceptions and a forced fumble helped too).

The biggest question for Week 12 is going to be whether the Giants have an answer to the Cardinals' explosive pass-heavy offense, and if the Cardinals can stop the Giants' run game. Here's how the two teams stack up.

Points Per Game
Giants Offense vs. Cardinals Defense - 29.2 (1st) vs. 22.8 (15th)
Cardinals Offense vs. Giants Defense - 28.9 (3rd) vs. 17.0 (5th)

Rush Yards Per Game
Giants Offense vs. Cardinals Defense - 172.7 (1st) vs. 89.8 (7th)
Cardinals Offense vs. Giants Defense - 86.9 (29th) vs. 91.0 (8th)

Pass Yards Per Game
Giants Offense vs. Cardinals Defense - 199.8 (19th) vs. 210.0 (16th)
Cardinals Offense vs. Giants Defense - 305.8 (2nd) vs. 174.8 (2nd)

Total Yards Per Game
Giants Offense vs. Cardinals Defense - 372.5 (4th) vs. 299.8 (11th)
Cardinals Offense vs. Giants Defense - 392.7 (2nd) vs. 265.8 (2nd)

Not only are the numbers and stats important to look at, but also who each team has played is very relevant.

The Giants have had an explosive offense against very good defensive teams (Redskins, Steelers, Cowboys, Eagles, Ravens) while having a great defense to hold these same teams in check.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, have had a much lighter schedule. When they have faced a tough defense (Redskins, Jets, Cowboys), they have either lost or won in overtime.

Warner has struggled against good defenses (in the three aforementioned games, Warner threw five interceptions and had five fumbles), so I have no reason to believe that he will not struggle just the same against the Giants.

The Giants have proved themselves this year while taking on a tough schedule, whereas the Cardinals have struggled when faced with a worthy foe.

Giants over Cardinals.