New York Giants vs. Arizona Cardinals: Last Minute Spread Info and Predictions

The Arizona Cardinals host the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon, and it's a game that Kevin Kolb and company need to prove that last week was just a fluke. 

The Giants have bounced back strong after a disappointing Week 1 loss, but the Cardinals lost to the lowly Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. Arizona needs to win this game to show they're a legit team in the NFL.

The Cardinals have an easy road to the playoffs if they win their division, but nobody will take them seriously if they can't win games like on Sunday against New York. 

With that said, let's delve into some specifics about this Week 4 showdown. 

When: Sunday, Oct. 2, 4:05 p.m. ET

Where: U of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, Ariz.

Watch: FOX

Spread

The Giants are favored at -1, which is probably because of their tough defense. Both teams are pretty good at offense with some good playmakers, but New York has a much better defense. 

I typically like to stay away from a line like that, but if you want to go for it, take the Giants because this is a game they should win, especially after a strong performance at Philadelphia a week ago. The only reason I'm questioning this one is because of Arizona's ability to burn you in the pass. 

Over/Under 

The over/under is set at 44.5, and you should easily take the over here. Yes, the Giants have a great defense, but both teams will score at least three touchdowns, if not more. New York will make the plays when it matters most late in the game, but the Cardinals are going to put up points. 

If you've watched the NFL this year, you've probably noticed quite a lot of scoring, and this game won't be any different. 

Key Injuries 

Todd Heap (ribs) was a full participant in practice most of the week, and the Cardinals have listed him as probable for Sunday.

Beanie Wells (hamstring) was limited at practice, and he remains questionable for Sunday. It's likely that the Cardinals will make a game-time decision on Wells, who believes he will play.

Giants' wide receivers Mario Manningham (head) and Hakeem Nicks (knee) are probable for Sunday, but Brandon Stokley (quadriceps) is questionable. Defensive ends Justin Tuck (groin, neck) and Osi Umenyiora (knee) are also questionable for Sunday. 

Fantasy Big Plays 

Definitely start Larry Fitzgerald because the Giants' secondary is quite depleted because of injuries. New York will be after Kolb with their talented line, but Fitzgerald will expose the secondary. He's just too good to bench, and he and Kolb are really starting to find a groove. 

For the Giants, either Ahmad Bradshaw or Brandon Jacobs will be a solid start. Also, if Nicks is good to go, which he should be, then start him because he and Eli Manning will connect early and often.

The Cardinals' defense will have a hard time slowing down the Giants' offense, which is really picking up despite injuries. 

Keys to an Arizona Win 

The Cardinals have to find a way to slow down the Giants' run game if they can. They're allowing 122 rushing yards per game, but if they find a way to keep the Giants offense off the field by making big plays then they have a good shot. 

Also, do whatever it takes to frustrate Manning and force some turnovers. If Manning gets off to a bad start, then it's all downhill from there. 

Keys to a New York Win 

The Giants cannot turn the ball over or else the Cardinals will win this game. If New York takes care of the ball then they'll win this game easily. 

Other keys to this game are work the ground and pound, as well as take a few shots down the field. Manning hasn't be spectacular, but he hasn't been horrible either. They know that Arizona is going to get Fitzgerald the ball and put points on the board, which is why it would be smart for them to throw the deep ball every once and awhile. 

Prediction 

This is the Giants' game to lose, but because it's in Arizona, the Cardinals have a shot to pull the upset. Expect a big game from Larry Fitzgerald as the Cardinals keep it close throughout. 

However, in the end, the Giants defense will make the big plays and force Kolb to make bad decisions late in the game. 

Giants 28, Cardinals 24