Two unlikely 1-0 teams will square off on Sunday as the Washington Football Team takes on the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams went into Week 1 as 6.5-point dogs and ended up winning outright.
Late money could shift lines again this week as Arizona opened at -7 but is starting to fall to -6.5 on most books. The total has also risen to 47.5, past the key number of 47, after opening at 45.5.
Here are our NFL free picks and predictions for Washington vs Cardinals on September 20 (4:05 p.m. ET).
Washington Football Team vs Arizona Cardinals betting preview
Weather
Things could get hot on Sunday, as the maximum temperature could top triple digits. The wind shouldn’t be a factor at State Farm Stadium. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NFL weather info.
Key Injuries
Washington: Kendall Fuller CB (Out), Reuben Foster LB (Out)
Cardinals: Maxx Williams TE (Out), Mason Cole OL (Out), Robert Alford CB (Out)
Find our latest NFL injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Over Washintgon’s last four games as an underdog, the Over has gone a perfect 4-0. Find more NFL betting trends for Washington vs. Cardinals.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
The Cardinals had the second-most offensive plays in the NFL last week, as QB Kyler Murray and head coach Kliff Kingsbury are really pushing the pace of play in their second year together. Their fast pace was made easy by the second-highest rate of no-huddle offense in Week 1. This constant attack helped offset the pressure of a great San Francisco 49ers pass rush as defenders, especially rushers, will tire easily with a fast offensive pace.
This will likely be the same offensive strategy Arizona will use as Washington’s strength lies in its front seven, who managed seven sacks versus Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
Despite their 27-17 win against the Eagles, the Washington offense was putrid in Week 1. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins and his offense had the lowest yards per play mark in the league at 3.4 yards, as they gained just 2.2 yards per rush (31st) and 5.2 yards per pass attempt (27th).
The Cardinals’ offense could nullify Washington’s strength in defense by keeping things moving. Washington scored three TDs last week, but its average starting field position was its opponents 38-yard line and it struggled to put long drives together.
PREDICTION: Arizona -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The Cardinals have one of the lowest-graded linebacking groups per PFF, and ranked in the bottom-third with their secondary. This is also a team that finished the 2019 season with the 26th-ranked DVOA pass defense, and its best corner is Patrick Peterson, who is one year older and graded 15 points lower in 2019 than in 2018. Haskins could find success in the air against Arizona, as the Cardinals had to defend only 11 passes to wide receivers versus San Francisco in Week 1.
The Washington defense could also have a wake-up call in Week 2, as last week they got to wreak havoc against a decimated Eagles offensive line. This week, PFF’s 4th-worst secondary will have to deal with DeAndre Hopkins, who quickly became a favorite of Murray in his first game as a Card last week.
As mentioned above, the total has climbed steadily after opening at 45.5. Even though we missed the push through the key number of 47, we are still happy taking the Over 47.5 as both offenses can prey on their opponents’ weakness in this Week 2 contest.
PREDICTION: Over 47.5 (-110)
Player prop pick
After coming over from Houston via trade, WR DeAndre Hopkins adapted to his new offense successfully in Week 1. His 16 targets were the second-highest amount among WRs, and his 14 receptions tied for the most. Hopkins was a reception machine last Sunday, taking a lot of short routes as Arizona posted a 5.6 yards per pass attempt.
The Washington secondary held the Eagles’ mediocre group of receivers to three catches on 11 attempts last week, but those three catches went for 101 yards and the Eagles O-line was a disaster. We’re doubling down on Hopkins as the Arizona offensive pace should keep the stat sheet filled.
PREDICTION: DeAndre Hopkins Over 7.5 receptions (-130) and Over 83.3 receiving yards (-115)
Washington vs Cardinals betting card
- Arizona -6.5 (-110)
- Over 47.5 (-110)
- DeAndre Hopkins Over 7.5 receptions (-130) and Over 83.3 receiving yards (-115)
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