Cardinals Redskins Betting – Cardinals, Redskins Clash In Battle Of Unlikely Contenders
When the Arizona Cardinals travel to the nation’s capital this weekend to take on the Washington Redskins, it will be a clash of two NFC teams with some notable talent that are still searching for an identity. Both teams won their respective openers at home, but only one team will emerge this week as a surprise early sports betting contender at 2-0 to start the season.
- Arizona Cardinals @ Washington Redskins
- Sunday September 18, 2011 – 1:00 PM ET
- FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
NFL Betting Lines: Washington Redskins – 4
While the Cardinals have invested their future in new quarterback Kevin Kolb, the Redskins have given Rex Grossman another chance to prove that he can lead a team to the postseason until their future is ready with John Beck. Both Kolb and Grossman performed well in week one, and whichever of the two is able to parlay those efforts more effectively in week two could be on the winning side.
NFL Betting Preview: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s defense didn’t exactly thrill when they gave up 422 passing yards against a rookie quarterback that has been criticized all preseason for his inability to move the ball through the air effectively, and if they are going to have any chance this season they will need to be better in that area. The Cardinals performed much better against the rush, but still need to make up for too many coverage breakdowns and a lack of pressure. Arizona answered the call on offense week one with Kolb throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Beanie Wells averaged five yards per carry on 18 touches for 90 and one score on the day. The Cardinals have the tools to succeed, but now it is about execution.
NFL Betting Preview: Washington Redskins
One team that executed to near perfection in week one was the Redskins, who looked like a completely different team week one than they did in head coach Mike Shanahan’s first season on the sidelines. A big part of that is Grossman establishing himself right away with 305 yards and two touchdowns against a New York Giants’ defense that has been beaten up by injuries, with running back Tim Hightower running hard underneath for 72 yards and a touchdown. The Washington offensive line did a good job to keep Grossman standing, and should be able to post another solid performance against a Cardinals’ defense that struggled to generate quarterback pressure week one. The Redskins’ defense forced two turnovers in the opener, and that will be another key to their success going forward if they can win that battle.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
Few would have projected before the season started that either the Redskins or the Cardinals would emerge as early contenders at 2-0, but a good start for both teams has left plenty of room for optimism. The fact that the Cardinals’ defense struggled so badly against the Carolina passing game is a reason for concern, and as long as Grossman can continue to avoid turning the ball over he should be able to log a second consecutive sports betting bonus win.
NFL Betting Pick: Washington Redskins - 4
