Cleveland Browns vs. Arizona Cardinals: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

An interconference battle with surprisingly possible playoff implications will take place on Sunday when the 4-9 Cleveland Browns travel to the desert to take on the 6-7 Arizona Cardinals.

While the Browns are pure spoilers at this point, the Cardinals' recent hot streak has put them into outside contention for an NFC wild-card spot.

The two teams last met in 2007. That game was also in Arizona. The Cardinals escaped that game with a 27-21 win.

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, Ariz. 

When: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4:15 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS

Spread: Cardinals (-7), according to Sportsbook

Arizona is playing great football right now. Against the Browns, there is no reason to think it won't win by a touchdown.

Over/Under: 37, according to Sportsbook

I just don't have confidence in the Cleveland offense here. The Cardinals won't score 37 on their own, and the Browns won't pick up enough of the slack.

Key Injuries

Browns' TE Benjamin Watson, QB Colt McCoy, and FB Owen Marecic are doubtful.

Browns' DB T.J. Ward, LB Quinton Spears, WR Josh Cribbs, OL Oniel Cousins, QB Thaddeus Lewis and DL Auston English are questionable.

Cardinals' LB Joey Porter and QB Kevin Kolb are questionable.

Cardinals' S Kerry Rhodes and RB Beanie Wells are probable.

Fantasy Big Plays

The Cardinals defense is aggressive, and the Browns offense is inept. With either a banged-up Colt McCoy or a backup, their pressure will be ramped up. Either way, they're a good play. 

The Browns have a top secondary, so Larry Fitzgerald can't be too much of a focus for the Cardinals. So, look for them to rely on Beanie Wells. 

Keys to Browns' Win

They have to run. The Browns need to win the turnover and time of possession battles. If they don't, the game won't be close.

Keys to Cardinals' Win

Take advantage of Larry Fitzgerald and his physicality. He reminded everyone last week just how good he really is. However, the Cardinals just need to attack the Browns' quarterback and win the field-position battle. If they do, this game won't be close. 

Prediction: Cardinals 23, Browns 6

Arizona actually has something to play for, as the wild card is not out of reach. At home playing a bad team from the Eastern Time Zone, the Cardinals will win easily.

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