Cardinals vs. Commanders: Odds, predictions, props and bets

Both the Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals are coming off a disappointing season that resulted in both teams missing the playoffs. As we enter the 2023 season, only one of these franchises has a realistic hope of turning things around. The point spread for this one is the second largest spread of the weekend as Arizona embarks on what should be a lengthy season full of suffering for their fanbase.

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The Robert Griffin III draft pick in 2012 didn’t work out for Washington. The team then refused to give Kirk Cousins a contract, for better or worse. Since Cousins departed in 2018, the team has cycled through the likes of Alex Smith, Case Keenum, Kyle Allen, Dwayne Haskins, Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz trying to find the answer at the position. They drafted Sam Howell in the fifth round in the 2022 NFL draft, and it appears he will get a real shot at the job this season.

There’s plenty of talent on this roster. The defense has been solid for years and returns a healthy Chase Young this season. There’s plenty of talent at the offensive skill positions with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Antonio Gibson and others. If Howell plays well, this team can compete for a playoff spot. If he fails, Washington will continue their decade long search for a starting quarterback. Howell has one NFL game under his belt, an upset win over Dallas at the end of last season. He had a solid college career at North Carolina, but we’ll see if that translates to the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals finished last season by losing their last seven games, which cost Kliff Kingsbury his job. During that stretch, they also lost Kyler Murray to a torn ACL, an injury which he has not recovered from. Since then, they made a questionable coaching hire in Jonathan Gannon. They also parted ways with players like J.J. Watt (retirement), DeAndre Hopkins, Zach Allen, Marcus Golden, Byron Murphy and Rodney Hudson.

It was always going to be a long season in Arizona, but at the end of training camp, they made even more questionable moves. They traded for Josh Dobbs, waived Colt McCoy and basically gave away former first round pick Isaiah Simmons. Gannon has yet to announce his quarterback for Week 1, though it probably doesn’t matter much whether Dobbs or rookie Clayton Tune gets the start. This team looks destined for the basement.

This line has been moving in favor of Washington after opening at six points. As kickoff approaches, I can see this line getting over a touchdown as the public starts placing their bets. Quite simply, I’m not sure winning is the goal in Arizona and don’t see how they score very many points in this one. I have no interest in risking my hard-earned dollars on Arizona right now.

Washington ranked third in total defense last season, allowing just 304 yards per game. Chase Young’s status is uncertain, but they don’t need him this weekend. I don’t see a world where this Arizona offense scores more than two touchdowns.

Score Prediction: Washington 24, Arizona 10

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