If you’re doing some NFL betting online, you’ve no doubt heard about the ongoing quarterback controversy in Arizona, which was bound to happen. The main question is, can Matt Leinart hold off Derek Anderson for the No.1 role in the desert?

Let’s start with Leinart, who is going into his fifth NFL season after being taken in the first round by the Cardinals. Those who bet on NCAA football will remember Leinart from his time at USC, when he won a Heisman (and was in the running with teammate Reggie Bush when he won) and a national title, but it’s been rough for him in the pros. He failed to hold off the aging Kurt Warner (who, to his credit, turned out to be really good), and then figured he’d be the man once Warner finally retired. With a career passer rating of 70.8, he hasn’t been all that encouraging. He did have a good effort in the third preseason game against Chicago, going 9-of-10 for 84 yards and a touchdown, but he’s had problems moving the ball down the field for big plays. Of course, some will say that Larry Fitzgerald has been hurt, but Leinart has never really shown that ability.

Anderson signed a deal with Arizona, and he’s also heading into his fifth NFL season after spending four years in Cleveland. Anderson exploded in a surprising 2007 season for Cleveland, but hasn’t really done much else and ended last season with a passer rating, throwing three touchdowns and a miserable 10 picks. He’s throwing a couple more picks than Leinart in the preseason, but he’s also shown an ability, and more importantly, a willingness, to go down the field. Anderson does take more chances than he should, but at least he keeps the defense on their toes.

If this would be an online horse betting matchup, it would be two sick horses to bet on. Honestly, it doesn’t seem to matter who the quarterback will be in Arizona, because neither of them are going to lead you to the Super Bowl, which is what Warner did a couple of years ago. Leinart should at least get the chance in the regular season for the first few games, but knowing that he’s on a short leash is sure to make him a bit nervous. Anderson was meant to be more of a pusher than someone who could actually take his job, and Leinart wasn’t happy when it was announced that Anderson was starting the third game of the preseason, which is the game where the starters are usually named. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has to figure this out soon, because if this becomes a distraction, there goes the Cardinals’ betting odds this year.