What’s old is new again in both Washington and Arizona. Both franchises welcome new veteran starting quarterbacks who were both former first round picks and have combined for over 230 career NFL games

Oddsmakers have this game as a Pick ’em on the NFL odds board.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

These two conference rivals met last season in Washington (Dec. 17), with the Redskins knocking off the Cardinals 20-15. Prior to that, they played each other during the 2016 and 2014 seasons with the Cardinals winning both games. The home team in this series is 4-1 in the last five games played. Of note, the Redskins do not travel well in Arizona, as they are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five meetings in the desert. Also, the Redskins are 0-5 ATS in their five previous Week 1 games.

Washington Redskins

After spending the last six seasons with the Redskins, the franchise said goodbye to their longtime quarterback and hello to veteran newcomer Alex Smith. Smith had a very good regular season last year with the Chiefs, throwing for 26 touchdowns and only five interceptions, but as always struggled in the post-season. Smith led the Chiefs to five post-season games, but only managed to win one of them.

Redskins fans hope that changes in DC, but the loss of second round pick Derrius Guice will not help. Guice was penciled in as a rookie starter in the backfield, but ACL tear, he will be lost of the entire season. Expect Chris Thompson to share the running back duties with Rob Kelly, and future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson. Last year’s largest weakness could be this year’s strength, as the Redskins expect their defensive line to be much improved with the return of Jonathan Allen from injury, the improvement of Matt Ioannidis, and the drafting of first rounder Da’Ron Payne. However, Jay Gruden is 0-4 in four opening season games as the Head Coach.

Arizona Cardinals

Former Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks takes over a Cardinals team in transition, or as he calls it a team that is “re-tooling.” Either way, he has re-vamped a defence that finished the season ranked sixth in total defence, to a 4-3 scheme. Expectations suggest this team could find their way into the top five all season.

There are a ton of new faces in this offence starting with free agent signing Sam Bradford, and first round pick Josh Rosen. Bradford will be under centre and given every chance to stay there. He’ll have an offensive line in front of him that has three new starters and the two remaining holdovers have a combined six games played last season. In the backfield is the most important factor, as All-Pro running back David Johnson is healthy and could flirt with a season that includes 1000+ yards rushing, and 1000+ yards receiving. Establishing the run will be the first priority for the Cardinals, but with weapons like Larry Fitzgerald, alongside Chad Williams and rookie Christian Kirk, the Cardinals could surprise many this season.

Redskins vs. Cardinals Prediction