Arizona Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

When the history books are written on this season, they could say that John Skelton was the quarterback who led the Arizona Cardinals back from the brink of elimination to over .500 with a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. 

The Cardinals were 3-7 heading into the last week of November. Four straight wins later, and they still have an outside shot at getting into the postseason. It will take a lot of things going right for them to get there, but the fact that the possibility exists is a story in and of itself. 

Speaking of surprise contenders, the Bengals have exceeded all expectations by winning eight games. They are tied with the New York Jets for the final playoff spot in the AFC. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have given this franchise hope for the first time since Carson Palmer got his first chance to start in 2005. 

Where: Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio

When: Saturday, Dec. 24 at 1:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX

Spread: Cincinnati (-4)

The problem with trying to determine a spread in a game like this is you don't know how much traveling across the country is going to affect the road team. The Bengals are the better team, and playing at home should give them a little extra love. Still, four points feels about right considering how well the Cardinals have been playing.

Over/Under: 40.5

The oddsmakers are figuring on this game being one of the lowest scoring of the weekend, and I can't argue with them. Both teams have talent on offense that is capable of putting up points in a hurry—Larry Fitzgerald, A.J. Green—but overall they aren't great scoring teams. I will take the under. 

Cardinals Injury Report

Out: LB Joey Porter (Knee), DL Dan Williams (Arm)

Questionable: QB Kevin Kolb (Concussion)

Probable: RB Beanie Wells (Knee)

Bengals Injury Report

Out: WR Andre Caldwell (Groin), DL Pat Sims (Ankle), DB Leon Hall (Achilles)

Probable: WR A.J. Green (Shoulder)

Fantasy Big Plays

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald

Despite only having one 100-yard game in the last five weeks, Fitzgerald is still the best playmaker the Cardinals have, and is capable of putting up big numbers against anyone. 

The Bengals do have a good pass defense, but no one in their secondary is capable of matching Fitzgerald's size and speed. 

Bengals WR A.J. Green

Back when Green was drafted, we all heard about how his measurables were off the charts and he was the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson. Eight months and 1,006 yards later, the rookie is making everyone look smart. 

There have been moments when Green has looked like a rookie, but they have been few and far between. The Cardinals rank 22nd against the pass this season, so he should have plenty of chances to get behind the secondary and make big plays. 

Keys to Cardinals Win

Containing A.J. Green and giving John Skelton opportunities to make plays. 

The reason that the Cardinals have been so successful in the last four games is thanks to an improved defense that hasn't given up more than 20 points. The Bengals' best playmaker is A.J. Green, so it is imperative that they put enough bodies on him to keep him in check. 

Skelton has not been playing lights-out since taking over for the injured Kevin Kolb, but he has looked better in the last two games. He needs to keep progressing if this team is going to stay in the playoff race. 

Keys to Bengals Win

Attack John Skelton on defense, and create big plays on offense. 

Skelton is not a quarterback who can outsmart an opposing defense, nor is he likely to react well under pressure. If the Bengals' defensive line can get pressure on him, they will force turnovers and give the offense a short field to work with. 

The offense has to find ways to make plays. They are not having a lot of success running the ball with Cedric Benson, which is putting more pressure on Andy Dalton. He hasn't crumbled yet, but he is not advanced enough to carry the load yet. 

Prediction

Bengals 20, Cardinals 17