Read Mike Tulumello's blog, Bird Watching

Kickoff: 11 a.m. today

Where: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

TV/Announcers: Ch. 10/Ron Pitts, Tony Boselli

Radio: KTAR (620 AM, 92.3 FM)

Records: Cardinals 6-7, Saints 6-7

Series: Dating to 1967, the Cards lead 13-11, including a 4-5 record in New Orleans.

Line: Saints by 3 1/2

Cardinals keys to victory:

1. PROTECT KURT WARNER: For the most part, the offensive line has done a good job of this in 2007. But last week, some leaks in the protection hurt them badly and nearly got Warner hurt. This can’t happen for the Cardinals to win their final three games.

2. GIVE THE BALL TO EDGERRIN JAMES EARLY: The Cardinals’ best hope is to wear down the Saints’ so-so defense. Running early may wear them down late. That was a key to the Cardinals’ last win, over Cleveland two weeks ago.

3. LIMIT THE PENALTIES: A weekly plea that falls on deaf ears. This may have to be a project for the offseason.

THE INTRIGUE:

There is plenty. This is the last chance for both teams to establish themselves as playoff contenders. For the Cardinals, who are surprisingly only a slight underdog, a win would seem to vindicate their season. After all, seven wins are a big deal for the Cardinals franchise, especially with two games to go. As for the Saints, they were the NFL’s best story at this time a year ago. For reasons that may never be explained, they were a complete flop coming out of the gate. Now, they’ve regained their footing as one of the NFL’s top offensive teams, though almost solely through the passing game. Their defense is mediocre. This could go down to the wire.

INJURY REPORT:

Arizona

Out: DE Ross Kolodziej (quadriceps); Questionable: WR Anquan Boldin (toe); WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin); Probable: QB Kurt Warner (elbow); S Aaron Francisco (calf).

New Orleans

Out: RB Reggie Bush (knee); TE Eric Johnson (groin); DT Brian Young (illness); Questionable: S Josh Bullocks (quadriceps); Probable: LB Scott Fujita (personal).

When the Cardinals have the ball:

Cardinals offense

WR: 11 Larry Fitzgerald

LT: 69 Mike Gandy

LG: 74 Reggie Wells

C: 50 Al Johnson

RG: 76 Deuce Lutui

RT: 75 Levi Brown

TE: 82 Leonard Pope

WR: 81 Anquan Boldin

QB: 13 Kurt Warner

RB: 32 Edgerrin James

FB: 45 Terrelle Smith

Saints defense

LDE: 94 Charles Grant

DT: 96 Antwan Lake

NT: 99 Hollis Thompson

RDE: 91 Will Smith

SLB: 55 Scott Fujita

MLB: 53 Mark Simoneau

WLB: 58 Scott Shanle

LCB: 34 Mike McKenzie

RCB: 42 Jason David

SS: 41 Roman Harper

FS: 29 Josh Bullocks

Kurt Warner should have an easier time today than against the Seahawks, as the Saints have a below-average defense. So, with the expected return of Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals have all their weapons. If the offensive line and Edgerrin James can get off to a fast start, the Cardinals have a shot.

When the Saints have the ball:

Saints offense

WR: 12 Marques Colston

LT: 70 Jammal Brown

LG: 67 Jamar Nesbit

C: 52 Jeff Faine

RG: 73 Jahri Evans

RT: 78 Jon Stinchcomb

TE: 83 Billy Miller

WR: 16 Lance Moore

QB: 9 Drew Brees

RB: 27 Aaron Stecker

FB: 44 Mike Karney

Cardinals defense

LDE: 94 Antonio Smith

NT: 98 Gabe Watson

DT: 90 Darnell Dockett

RDE: 51 Darryl Blackstock

SLB: 97 Calvin Pace

MLB: 54 Gerald Hayes

WLB: 58 Karlos Dansby

LCB: 26 Rod Hood

RCB: 21 Antrel Rolle

SS: 35 Oliver Celestin

FS: 42 Terrence Holt

They will throw and throw some more. That’s not good for the Cardinals, who have a patched-up secondary. Drew Brees, like Matt Hasselbeck last week, is a hot quarterback who will be difficult to defend. His favorite target is Marques Colston, a low-round draft pick last year who appears to have more chance to be a future Pro Bowler than Reggie Bush, who is injured and not expected to play.