Take Command and Bet Against Arizona This Sunday

· Sep 07 - 4 minutes read

Washington Easy Lock Against NFL’s Worst Team

We dislike blindly going with the consensus. But under no good conscience can we suggest anyone take the Arizona Cardinals on our NFL lines. This team has the makings of one of the worst, and it is not ashamed to show it. Even being given a touchdown (+7) is not enough, as Washington – by no means a model franchise itself – should easily win and cover the spread.

Thank You Very Much, Arizona

Arizona is ready to plummet to the bottom of the NFL for a shot at drafting college superstar Caleb Williams – even if it appears he will not turn pro. But that has not stopped Arizona from jettisoning several key players like linebacker Isaiah Simmons and quarterback Colt McCoy. Instead, the team now turns the keys over to Joshua Dobbs. Who?

Take Command and Bet Against Arizona This Sunday

Dobbs is a career backup in his six years in the league. Last season, he started two games for the injury-depleted Tennessee Titans and threw for two touchdowns and two picks. The Titans lost both games. Maybe Arizona sees something “special” in him, or he’s the official “tank commander.”

The game’s total of 38, plus the seven-point spread, shows how little everyone thinks of Arizona. This team may have the worst offense in the NFL after finishing 21st last season with a better roster. Now, the only bets online could be coming against them.

Newly acquired Arizona Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs in the Titans finale throwing a 21 yard TD strike and scrambling for 11 yards.

Dobbs brings a good mix of experience, arm strength, athleticism and knowledge of Drew Petzing’s offense to the Cards. @PHNX_Cardinals | #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/tTRd9EWdpH

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) August 25, 2023

Howell, Washington Own This Game?

By no means is Washington a world-beater, given its NFL odds. In fact, this may be the only game where you’d find a spread this wide for this franchise. Or maybe Washington will turn a corner, given its new ownership, new quarterback, and head coach who appears to get more unhinged the longer he stays in Landover.

But what Ron Rivera can do is coach defense. Washington has posted a positive defensive rating in two of the three seasons he’s coached. And in the last two seasons, Washington is 6-5 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite. This team may not be that “sexy” as an NFL pick, but it can get the job done.

Facing the Cardinals – a team more dysfunctional than themselves – should be a boon for Washington. Chase Young’s return further bolsters an already stout defensive line, while Sam Howell should impress as the team’s new QB. And on top of that, Washington has owned Arizona at home.

Commanders to Extend Streak vs Arizona?

Washington has won eight straight home games versus Arizona. The last time Arizona won was in 1998 when half the players here weren’t even born.

Cardinals vs Commanders Game Information

Date/Time: Sunday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m. ET

Location: FedEx Field, Landover, MD

Cardinals vs Commanders Live Stream: FOX

Cardinals vs Commanders Game Weather Conditions

We expect scattered thunderstorms – a 60% chance of rain, this Sunday. The temperature averages 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

Cardinals vs Commanders Game Prediction

Predicted Score: Commanders 23 Cardinals 13

Washington Lays the Smackdown

This may be the only time we’ll be this passionate about Washington in the sportsbook. The Commanders should neutralize Arizona and cover the spread. It would be surprising and an indictment on the defense if Arizona hits the 20-point mark. Rivera starts seasons slow but is 4-2 in his last six Week 1 games.

Pick: Washington Commanders -7 (-115)

Fade Any Type of Scoring

Dobbs and Howell are two of the secretly exciting dual-threat quarterbacks. They are discount versions of dual-threat QBs. But there won’t be many touchdowns in this game. This is the lowest total of Week 1 for a reason. And we’re betting for it to be even lower.