Things haven’t come so easily for the Arizona Cardinals this season and as a result they will likely be watching the postseason instead of participating. A favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LI back at the beginning of the season, the Cards continue to stumble and are left to play the role of spoiler. Arizona can put a damper on the playoff hopes of the Washington Redskins when the teams collide in the desert in Week 13.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 13 game is set for Sunday, December 4, 2016, at 4:25 p.m. ET at University of Phoenix Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Washington Redskins +2.5
Arizona Cardinals -2.5
Over/Under 49.5
Odds Analysis
The Cards opened as a 2.5-point favorite and the early spread wagers have come for the visitors at 66 percent. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that line come down slightly before kickoff as the Cardinals are 0-5 ATS in their last five games and only 2-4 ATS at home. The Cardinals have played below the total in all six of their home games, but this one has a different feel with a pair of desperate teams that will take chances. I like the teams playing over the total of 49.5.
Injury Report
Jordan Reed – The Redskins’ tight end and leading pass-catcher suffered a separated shoulder against Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. He’s a big target – literally – for Kirk Cousins and should he miss time, his loss would be a severe blow to Washington’s passing attack. Reed is also a red zone option for the Skins’ attack.
Patrick Peterson – Suffered a knee injury against the Falcons and said afterwards it was “painful.” The extent of the injury is unknown at this time, but it could be a factor moving forward. The Redskins have a potent passing attack and minus their top cornerback, or if Peterson isn’t 100 percent, Cousins will target that side of the field.
Key Stat
The Redskins haven’t had difficulty moving the football this season. With Cousins having another spectacular year, Washington ranks second in passing offense with nearly 315 yards per game and in total offense with over 426 yards per contest. The problems come when the Skins enter the red zone. Washington was one red zone conversion away from upsetting the Cowboys last Thursday and throwing the NFC East race into a mad scramble. Instead, the Skins failed on three of their five trips inside the Dallas 20-yard line and ended up losing by five points in a game they had a legitimate chance of winning.
It wasn’t a game specific problem for the Skins, however. Their season-long troubles in the red zone have cost them and could deny them a chance at a return trip to the postseason. Washington has tallied a touchdown 20 times on 46 red zone appearances to rank 29th in the league at 43.5 percent. The Skins could have success if given a chance against Arizona’s defense that ranks 23rd in red zone touchdown percentage.
Free ATS Pick
After road losses to Minnesota and Atlanta crippled the Cardinals’ playoff chances, a return home could help them get back in the win column. But even that has been little comfort for Arizona in a season that has gone from bad to worse. For the first time in years, the Cards finally have a standout running back in David Johnson. His explosive play should have taken some of the pressure off Carson Palmer and the vertical attack. But the passing game is nowhere near what it was last season and the Cards offense has suffered. It’s not the only reason for the poor showing. The defense has given up big plays and nearly 30 points per game over the last four outings and the team continues to commit stupid penalties at the most inopportune times.
The Skins blew an opportunity to close the gap in the NFC East and further hindered their playoff chances with a loss to the Cowboys last Thursday. But they are in a much better position than the Cards right now and need to keep winning to maintain their Wild Card standing. Cousins has been on fire lately and Washington has put together some impressive numbers. But their red zone troubles have been an issue all season and really the only problem with the unit. The Skins will suffer if Reed is unable to go, but Vernon Davis is a capable replacement and there are more targets for the receivers. The Cards will have trouble slowing down the Skins, who win this one in a shootout.
NFL Odds: Redskins 30, Cardinals 28
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