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Arizona Cardinals to build on last season: Win total examined for 2014 season

John Benson

by John Benson in News

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:40 AM PST

Despite not making the playoffs in 2013, there’s no denying at the end of last season the hottest team nobody wanted to face was the Arizona Cardinals, which were 10-6.

On offense, the Cardinals were led by veteran quarterback Carson Palmer. He had the team ranked 13th in passing, while the Cardinals struggled with running the ball, ranking only 23rd. Invariably, it was the defense that picked up the Cardinals ranking first against the run and 14th against the pass.

The hope is first round safety Deone Bucannon will help against the pass, while second round pick tight end Troy Niklas gives Palmer another target.

Looking to this season, the Cardinals face eight playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .547 winning percentage last year (8th toughest in the league). Furthermore, the Cardinals will be playing just one set of back-to-back road games.

Oddsmakers have the Cardinals posted at 7.5 (over -125) for o/u wins, which is basically a product of playing in the NFC West. Granted last year’s team reached double digits in victories, but it’ll be hard to duplicate that success in 2014. Still, the over here – a .500 season – isn’t out of the question for the Cardinals.

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