Jets vs. Cardinals -- Week 13
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ (field turf, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Spread: Jets by 4.5
Forecast: Cloudy. Temperature in the low 50s.
Records: Jets (Overall: 4-7, AFC East: 2-3); Cardinals (Overall:4-7,, NFC West: 1-3)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 28, 2008 (Jets 56, Cardinals 35); Nov. 28, 2004 (Jets 13, Cardinals 3). Series record: Jets 5-2.
What matters: Arizona finding its rhythm. The Cardinals proved in the first half of their 31-17 loss to St. Louis last Sunday that when things are rolling, the offense is not...that...bad. Arizona had a 17-14 edge at halftime after three first-quarter drives went moer than 60 yards, leading to two touchdowns and a field goal. That was the good. The entire second half? All bad, and the Cardinals needs to find their swagger back quickly against a New York defense that has underperformed but is packed with talent.
Who matters: QB Ryan Lindley. In his first professional start, Lindley realized that the NFC West is a whole lot more daunting than the Mountain West Conference. Lindley's four interceptions -- including two returned for touchdown -- gave the Rams the win and reminded Arizona fans that no, maybe the QB of the future is not on the roster.
Key matchups: Lindley vs. the New York Jets defensive backfield. There were moments in Lindey's first start when he looked -- gasp! -- good. Most of those moments came when he was patient and making smart, informed decisions. The Jets have thrived in recent years by forcing bad ones. They've slid back defensively this year, but a lot of talent remains, and Lindley will have to simply play smarter at key times.
Injuries of note: Wide receiver Andre Roberts, who has become a solid contributor this year, missed practice this week with an ankle injury. With WR Early Doucet (ribs) practicing in limited fashion, the onus might fall onto Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd to carry the crew. ... DE Calais Campbell (calf) was limited in practice this week after missing last week.
Connections: Jets WR Chaz Schilens and Cardinals WR Quentin Groves played with the Raiders in 2010 and 2011. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt played tight end and H-back for the Jets from 1991-1993 and then served as tight ends coach in 2000. Cardinals S Kerry Rhodes was drafted by the Jets in 2005 and played for the Jets through 2009. Jets LB Calvin Pace was the 1st round pick of the Cardinals in 2003. Cardinals K Jay Feely played for the Jets in 2008 & 2009.
Stat you should know: The Cardinal have not hit the 20-point mark since Week 4. They've lost every game since. Before that, they hadn't scored less than 20. They'd won every game before the woeful streak began.
Looking ahead: Arizona will get to discover just how far Russell Wilson has come when they travel to Seattle for a rematch with the Seahawks. The Cardinals won in Week 1, 20-16, to start the four-game winning streak.
Prediction: Jets 24, Cardinals 17
For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Jon Gold, follow @CBSCardinals on Twitter.