Redskins at Cardinals 9/9/18 - NFL Picks & Predictions
The Washington Redskins visit the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the NFL regular season on Sunday September 9 at University of Phoenix Stadium.
The Kirk Cousins era has ended and the Alex Smith era begins for the Redskins. Washington’s offense should turn the ball over less with Smith under center. Smith will be handing the ball off early and often to veteran Adrian Peterson who will take over the rushing duties, but the loss of rookie Derrice Guice will hurt the running game. Smith’s top targets downfield will be Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson with Jordan Reed the tight end likely the best receiver of all. The strength of the Redskins defense is its linebackers with Preston Smith, Zach Brown and Ryan Kerrigan three of the best in the business.
Sam Bradford was signed to take over at quarterback for Arizona until top draft pick Josh Rosen is ready to play in the NFL. The running game will be led by injury-prone David Johnson, who some say is one of the top three running backs in the game today. Christian Kirk will stretch the field at wide receiver, while veteran wide out Larry Fitzgerald will not have to do it all any longer. The Cardinals secondary is its strength but the front seven must contain the run if the Cardinals hope to win. Alex Smith passed for just 81 yards during the preseason but will be under center on Sunday. Adrian Peterson rushed for 56 yards and is expected to start on Sunday, while Rob Kelly will see several snaps in the backfield. Josh Doctson caught just one pass for 11 yards but will start at one wide out spot. Paul Richardson caught 3 passes for 39 yards and will lineup Sunday on the right side.
Sam Bradford threw for just 73 yards during the preseason but will start in Week 1. David Johnson rushed for 50 yards on eight carries and will be lined up in the starting backfield on Sunday. Christian Kirk caught 8 passes for 59 yards and will be one starting wide receiver with veteran Larry Fitzgerald, who caught just one pass for six yards during preseason.
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Arizona was 8-8 last season without a healthy quarterback and without David Johnson in the offensive backfield. Bring in Sam Bradford under center and a healthy Johnson at running back and the offense should give opposing defenses a hard time. While the Cardinals defense is not the group it was three seasons ago, there is still plenty of talent. Odds makers have this as a PK or Washington -1, but the Cardinals should be favored and giving at least three. Final Score Prediction, Arizona Cardinals win and cover ATS 24-17
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