The NFL has had a recent history of surprise lower-seeded teams making spirited runs through the playoffs and to the Super Bowl. The Giants beat New England two years ago despite playing three road games en route to the big game. The Colts got to Miami recently despite not having a bye and beat the Bears. Few, however, could see last year's Cardinals going to Tampa. They only hosted Atlanta last year because they were the West winner, and were an underdog even in that win. The Cards stunned Carolina by forcing the Panthers into six turnovers, then held on to edge Philly to advance. It's worth noting, however, that only one team (2006 Seattle, at 9-7 the only above-.500 team in the NFC West) has advanced to the playoffs this decade in the season immediately following their Super Bowl loss. Combining that and some of the good fortune that Arizona saw last season means that a repeat trip is unlikely, in The Bookie's eyes at least.

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Five assistants left head coach Ken Wihsenhunt's staff, including both coordinators. Sure, much of the offense remains intact, including three 1,000-yard receivers. But the offensive line stayed healthy, with everyone starting every game. There isn't much depth there and if someone goes down, things could get ugly for immobile QB Kurt Warner. On defense, the Cardinals ranked in the bottom half of the league in every meaningful stat except penalties, and they ranked last in allowing 36 touchdown passes.

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