Time<\/strong>: Sat., Jan. 16, 4:30 p.m. ET Had the Minnesota Vikings had any moxie, they probably would have had the No. 1 seed in the NFC overall and the Saints might be facing the Dallas Cowboys again, but I digress.<\/p>\n The Saints haven\u2019t won at home since November 30th<\/sup> when they defeated the New England Patriots. That\u2019s disconcerting. Considering the Arizona Cardinals showed us \u2013 for a second year in a row \u2013 that they know how to crank it up for playoff time, the Saints could be in trouble.<\/p>\n Cardinals offense versus Saints defense<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cardinals were a very good road team this year and considering they scored 51 points against the No. 3 defense in the NFL, what are they going to do to the Saints defense this week?<\/p>\n Right now, it\u2019s fairly tough to stop Kurt Warner and the Saints don\u2019t have the pass rush to try. They put Charles Grant on injured reserve and they\u2019ll miss him this week.<\/p>\n The Cardinals may not have Anquan Boldin in the lineup, or he might play and won\u2019t be 100%, but does it really matter? Steve Breaston stepped up big-time last week and so did Early Doucet. The Cards have more depth than anyone want to give them credit for. Saints offense versus Cardinals defense<\/strong><\/p>\n The Saints offense has also gone astray done the stretch of the season but the good news is they face a defense that gave up 45 points last week. One lingering concern is how effective Pierre Thomas will be because the Saints need to run the ball to have success. If they are back to their one-dimensional ways \u2013\u00a0as they were in previous years \u2013\u00a0they will be too predictable and will fall flat again.<\/p>\n The Packers exposed the Cardinals lack of depth in the secondary and the Saints have plenty of weapons to use. They\u2019ll get their share of points but they need balance.<\/p>\n Outlook & Pick<\/strong><\/p>\n The Saints haven\u2019t played good football in a while and the Cardinals clearly know what it takes to ramp it up in the playoffs. Experience is a big factor and while the Saints have some, the Cards are confident because of last year\u2019s run. Look for the Cardinals to stay within this spread and possibly win outright as well.<\/p>\n
\nVenue<\/strong>: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans LA
\nCardinals vs. Saints NFL Playoff Lines<\/strong>
\nMoneyLine<\/strong>: Cardinals +240 \/ Saints -290
\nSpread<\/strong>: Saints -7
\nOver\/Under<\/strong>: 57<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>
\nIf Warner plays the same way, it\u2019s tough to see the Cards losing.<\/p>\n