FiveStarPick.com is coming off a 3-1 ATS Divsional Playoff record and looks forward to this weekends line-up of games.  The focus of this preview is the matchup between Arizona (11-7 straight up, 11-7 against the spread) and Philadelphia (11-6-1 SU, 12-6 ATS).  The Cardinals have home field advantage and will enjoy a closed roof over University of Phoenix Stadium.

The Cardinals’ quarterback Kurt Warner is a former Superbowl champion and will definately be a factor in these benign conditions.  He is 7-2 over his career in the postseason and has a 63% completion percentage with 2,712 yards, 19 touchdowns and a mere 12 interceptions. The Eagles are currently listed as 4-point visiting favorites, with the total set at 47.5.  But it will be turnovers that will make the differnce on Sunday.  After pummelling the Panthers last week, the Cardinals now have a +7 turnover ratio in the playoffs. The Eagles, on the other hand are at +1.

Arizona’s defense has improved dramatically in the post season.  Prior to the playoffs, the Cards gave up over 35 PPG.  In the playoffs, they have only allowed 19.3 PPG.  This tenacious ‘D’ has helped the Cards cover their last three games ATS.

The Arizona offese has scored less than 29 points at home only once this season and when Arizona has scored 30 or more points, the team has gone 8-1 SU and ATS.

Philly is 6-1 SU and ATS since McNabb was benched in Baltimore in Week 12.  Since then, the Eagles have busted up their opponents with 27.7 PPG and only relinquished 12 PPG to their opponents.  This will be the  Eagles 3rd road game in a row and one that will require the Eagles to travel across the country.  The birds have gone 2-0 SU and ATS this season out west beating San Francisco in Week 6 and Seattle in Week 9.

Here is an interesting trend to ponder…teams that knock off the defending Super Bowl Champs the week before are 0-10 SU and 1-9 ATS the following week.

Now let’s talk about past performances.  In one of his best games of the season, McNabb passed for 260 yards and 4 TDs beating Arizona 48-20 back on Thankgiving Day.  RB Brian Westbrook, added 110 rushing yards and 2 scores of his own.  But Westbrook reinjured his swollen left knee in the win over the Giants.  The Eagles are 5-4 SU and 7-2 ATS in their last nine head-to-head meetings versus Arizona.

So who covers the spread in the NFC Championship Game?  It’s time to step up your game, become a member of our family and find out.  Why not try our service out for 2-days and see if our talent for picking winners exceeds your expectations?  With over 2300 active members, you owe it to yourself to find out why FiveStarPick.com is the most accurate sports handicapping service on the net.  Our dime bettors won nearly $100K in 2008.

Jimmy the Geek – FiveStarPick.com