Next on the list, seeded at #4, are the Arizona Cardinals. When we saw them last in week eight they were just peaking. I mentioned seeded at fourth as they actually have the lowest winning percentage of any team in the NFC side and 2nd lowest in all teams that made the playoffs (AFC & NFC). During the first half of the season they where scoring on average 29.3 points per game and holding their opponents to a 23.0 point average. In their last eight games their average was 24.1 points score compared to 30.3 allowed. Here's a breakdown of their game averages from each half of the season:

Now I admit I haven't been watching the Cardinals play and can't say for sure why their production fell, but I do find it interesting they struggled, especially in the running game, once they took the main rushing duties away from Edgerrin James. Yet despite the all of this, if the Cardinals get back to their first half form they are very dangerous. Another thing they have in their favor this weekend against Atlanta is they are 6-2 at home while the Falcons are 4-4 on the road.

How do they currently match up against the Panthers? I think a comparison to the Denver Broncos would be fairly accurate, which for us is a good matchup. But if they can find their running game against Atlanta their threat level increase. However, I'd still favor the Panthers in this match-up.

PS. On a side note, I hope everyone is having a great New Years Day and enjoying/enjoyed the bowl games. Go Clemson!!!