Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals prediction and odds

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The Washington Commanders host the Arizona Cardinals in what could be the start of an interesting season for the home team and a path to the No. 1 pick in the draft for the visitor. Sam Howell vs. Josh Dobbs is high on the list of most unexpected Week 1 quarterback duels in NFL history.

Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals – Game predictions

Contents

1 Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals – Game predictions
- 1.1 Prediction 1: Commanders -7 @ -110 (1.91)
- 1.2 Prediction 2: Sam Howell over 1.5 passing touchdowns @ +154 (2.54)
2 Commanders vs Cardinals preview – Can Arizona keep it close?
3 Key match details

The Commanders are a 7-point favorite with a total of 38.5 points. Arizona is projected to have the lowest win total in the NFL this season as they deal with a rookie head coach and recovering Kyler Murray.

Prediction 1: Commanders -7 @ -110 (1.91)

Rock with the Commanders this week as they make a statement at home against the easiest opponent they will face all year. This team has stockpiled drafted talent for years and should be good defensively against an Arizona offense lacking threats. The offense will be more fun to watch with Eric Bieniemy calling plays as the new offensive coordinator. But after a good preseason performance, trust the Commanders to show up and show out in this game.

Prediction 2: Sam Howell over 1.5 passing touchdowns @ +154 (2.54)

After seeing the Chiefs struggle without Bieniemy on opening night, why not complete the headline and have him coach his new quarterback to a stellar stat line? Bieniemy got the best of Jonathan Gannon’s defense for the Eagles in the Super Bowl, and his scheme can be picked apart by a quick, short passing game. The Commanders have really good receivers in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Datson, and Bieniemy could always scheme short touchdown passes that look like runs. Let’s trust Howell to go over 1.5 touchdown passes in a strong debut.

Commanders vs Cardinals preview – Can Arizona keep it close?

The Cardinals have already been accused of tanking, and cutting veteran Colt McCoy to sign and start Dobbs right before the opener is a decent piece of evidence. Can they keep it close or is the tank campaign for USC quarterback Caleb Williams on?

Washington Commanders form, news and injuries

The Commanders will not have defensive end Chase Young as he continues to deal with injuries that have plagued his last few seasons. But Terry McLaurin appears to be ready to go after a scare in the preseason. Howell will need his top wideout to be in top form this September.

Washington Commanders injury report:

DE Chase Young (Neck) – Out
DE Efe Obada (Knee) – Out
CB Troy Apke (Shoulder) – Out
DE James Smith-Williams (Oblique) – Questionable
DT David Bada (Triceps) – Out
WR Dax Milne (Groin) – Out
DT Phidarian Mathis (Calf) – Out
LB Drew White (Knee) – Out
TE Armani Rogers (Achilles) – Out
DT Curtis Brooks (Undisclosed) – Out
OL Braeden Daniels (Shoulder) – Out

Arizona Cardinals form, news and injuries

The Cardinals are not ready to bring Kyler Murray back at quarterback, but they also have to deal with replacing top wideout DeAndre Hopkins (Titans) and top pass rusher J.J. Watt (retired). There is a lack of leadership and guidance on both sides of the ball, which is why most predict a really poor record this year.