Cardinals vs. Redskins: Preview, score prediction for Week 15
Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins
When the Washington Redskins (5-8) met the Arizona Cardinals (6-7) one year ago, a lot was on the line. While the Redskins were around the .500 mark, they were in contention for a playoff spot and featured one of the hottest offenses in the league. Unfortunately, quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Redskins struggled and Arizona manhandled the Redskins in a 31-23 win.
This year, neither team is playing for anything but pride and jobs. In Washington, another loss could put head coach Jay Gruden in a perilous position. The Redskins have lost two straight in ugly fashion and looked like a team that was ready for the offseason in last week’s defeat at Los Angeles. A once-promising season has spiraled out of control for the beat-up Redskins.
Arizona isn’t much better than the Redskins. In fact, the Cardinals may be worse. But this is a scrappy team that plays hard for head coach Bruce Arians. Much like the Redskins, Arizona is dealing with an absurd number of injuries, especially on the offensive side. Future Hall-of-Fame running back Adrian Peterson was placed on injured reserve Friday and Blaine Gabbert will continue to start at quarterback for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals lost several good players on defense last season. Yet, Arizona is still ranked No. 8 in total defense in 2017. Washington, meanwhile, has struggled offensively the last two weeks. Cousins had his worst game of the season in the loss to the Chargers in Week 14.
Arizona’s Keys to Victory
The Redskins have been prone to mistakes in all three phases over the last three weeks. They will probably make mistakes on Sunday, too. The Cardinals must take advantage. Washington is a team right now that looks like it has given up. If Arizona can force a turnover early and score, it will be in good shape to win this game.
Defensively, the Cardinals should send lots of pressure at Cousins. Without Chris Thompson in the backfield, Washington doesn’t have a back who can effectively block pass-rushers. Heavy pressure will likely cause Cousins to force some balls into traffic, which has happened in each of the last two weeks.
Washington’s Keys to Victory
On offense, the Redskins must continue to run the football. The running game hasn’t been very good. Until the last two weeks, rookie Samaje Perine had shown promise. Gruden must get the ball to Perine 20-25 times as this passing game is struggling to get guys open outside of slot receiver Jamison Crowder. Tight end Vernon Davis hasn’t been quite as effective without Jordan Reed in the lineup.
On the other side of the ball, the Redskins must stop the run. Arizona, much like Washington, has next to nothing in the backfield. The Redskins have allowed opposing runners to feast on them in recent weeks. That can’t happen Sunday. Washington must force Gabbert to make plays with his arm. If that occurs, the Redskins stand a good chance of getting back on the winning side of things.
Odds
Point Spread: Washington -3 1/2
Moneyline: Arizona +180, Washington -210
Over/Under: 44
Next: NFL Week 15: Fatal flaw of each current playoff team
Prediction
These teams are fairly even heading into this weekend. Both teams have battled an absurd number of injuries. Fortunately for Washington, they still have their quarterback. Cousins has played extremely well this season despite all the changes and chaos around him. While he struggled last week, expect him to be better this week. Cousins will find Josh Doctson and Crowder for touchdown passes to lead Washington to a Week 15 win and keep Gruden safe — for another week, at least.
Pick: Washington Redskins: 20, Arizona Cardinals: 17