Last Updated on July 13, 2010 6:45 pm by Anthony Rome
Cardinals 2010 Odds
The Arizona Cardinals are just two years removed from appearing in a Super Bowl, but according to oddsmakers they’re farther then ever from winning a championship.
The Cardinals were busy this offseason, signing guard Alan Faneca after he was released by the Jets, as well as adding free agents Rex Handnot, Joey Porter and Jay Feely. They also re-signed receiver Steve Breaston and defensive tackle Gabe Watson.
The biggest blow to Arizona’s chances this season came in the form of Kurt Warner’s retirement and the trade of receiver Anquan Boldin to the Ravens. Matt Leinart will once again assume the starting reigns, just as he did when he was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played in 12 games that season, finishing with 2,547 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, but he hasn’t shown the ability to lead the offense and beat teams with his arm on a consistent basis.
While Leinart will battle veteran Derek Anderson (acquired this past offseason) and rookies Max Hall and John Skelton, running back Beanie Wells is set to become the new face of the offense. The Cards are expected to become more of a running team now that Warner is gone and Wells should see plenty of carries. Tim Hightower will once again platoon with Wells in Arizona’s backfield.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com, the Cardinals are currently 40/1 to win the 2011 Super Bowl. They’re also 22/1 to win the NFC and are +250 on the moneyline to win the NFC West.
If Leinart is ready to cash in on his first round talent, then the Cardinals might be a team to watch this season. Fortunately for them, they don’t play in a powder keg division, so the NFC West is up from grabs. That said, Wells, Larry Fitzgerald and the defense will have to carry Arizona, because this will be a very different looking team in 2010.
2011 Super Bowl Odds: Arizona Cardinals 40/1
Odds to win the NFC: Arizona Cardinals 22/1
Odds to win the NFC West: Arizona Cardinals +250
NFL Season Win Totals: Arizona Cardinals O/U 7.5
Posted: 7/13/10 6:45PM ET