NFL Record: Best Bets 9-6-1, Regular Picks 22-18-1 (Updated Jan 14)

Most weeks we provide our NFL best bet of the week and an additional two to three picks that we believe offer some betting value. Last season our top play crushed the book with an incredible 15 point spread covers from 21 selections. Good for a 71.4 winning percent. While it will be difficult to improve on that record, we'll do our best to help our readers in their quest of a profitable football handicapping season.

Arizona won a thrilling OT Wild Card round game over Green Bay last Sunday, 51-45. New Orleans had a bye as the No.1 seed in the NFC but is coming off three-straight losses.

The Cardinals rushed for 156 yards in their win last week (6.8 yards-per-rush) despite the passing heroics of QB Kurt Warner. That was against a defense that ranked 1st this year vs. the run and now they face the 21st- ranked run defense of the Saints. RBs Tim Hightower and Chris "Beanie" Wells will both get plenty of opportunities in this matchup as New Orleans really wore down at season's end. The passing game won't be forgotten as Warner is simply one of the very best passers in NFL history come playoff time. His 379-yard, 5-TD performance was no fluke and he'll be facing a secondary that has battled injuries all season. Saints' Def. Co. Gregg Williams loves to blitz but that will leave receivers in man coverage all over the field. The loss of pass-rushing DE Charles Grant (IR) also hurts. WR Anquan Boldin (check status) missed last week's win but is expecting to be available this week. Warner has to identify FS Darren Sharper at all times as the crafty veteran tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions.

New Orleans may have peaked with their 38-17 throttling of New England on Monday night seven weeks ago. The offense hasn't been playing the same ball since and has averaged only 14 points-per-game in their three losses. They averaged 37 points-per-game in their first six home games. QB Drew Brees is the leader on offense but needs help. The Saints got away from their ground game late in the year and RB Pierre Thomas (check status) is battling a rib injury. RB Reggie Bush has proven he isn't a full-time back but remains dangerous as a receiver and the Cardinals must account for him when he goes out on pass plays. Arizona's secondary was torched last week and now face another huge challenge as Brees likes to spread the ball around. WR Lance Moore and TE Jeremy Shockey (check status of both players) have been nicked up but their return could give Arizona trouble.

Arizona won one of the most exciting playoff games ever last week and is playoff tested from their Super Bowl run last season. New Orleans was a dominant team for most of the year and unlike Indianapolis, tried to win their last three games. They won their two previous games by only three points each against two non-playoff teams. The lustre appears to be off the new 'America's Team' and the Cardinals won't back down and surrender in this contest. The Cards are 6-3 ATS in their last nine road games and 5-0 ATS in the playoffs since last season. Both teams can pass the ball but we give the running edge and defensive edge to the visitor. Plus, they are getting a converted TD on the line.

Additional Pro Football Picks

• Dallas +2.5
• San Diego -7