Washington Redskins vs. Arizona Cardinals: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

Washington will look to break a three-game losing streak Sunday when it visits a team it has enjoyed a lot of past success against in the Arizona Cardinals. Washington has won the last eight meetings with the Cardinals, going 5-3 against the spread (ATS), although the teams have not met since 2011.

Point spread: The Cardinals opened as four-point favorites (line updates and matchup report).

Odds Shark computer prediction: 28.3-14.8 Cardinals

Why the Redskins can cover the spread

While Washington has not played well lately, losing three in a row, this team has more talent than it has shown during the skid. Getting away from home could be exactly what Washington needs to turn things around, even if it’s against a tough Arizona team on the road.

In its last road game, Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins had a career-high 427 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in a 37-34 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles as four-point underdogs.

Even though Cousins regressed in a 45-14 home loss to the New York Giants the following game, he played better Monday night in a 27-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and can build on that performance here.

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

The Cardinals hung around with the defending AFC champion Denver Broncos for a while last week before getting blown out 41-20 on the road to end their perfect season. They were within 24-20 late in the third quarter before the wheels came off, and Denver seemed to run up the score at the end.

Arizona is hopeful that starting quarterback Carson Palmer will be able to return from a shoulder injury after missing the last three games, especially with backup Drew Stanton suffering a concussion last week against the Broncos.

Stanton had played well as Palmer’s replacement, and the drop-off to rookie Logan Thomas is substantial. At least Thomas got some experience last week at Denver, which could come in handy if he is called on to make his first NFL start.

Smart pick

The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback situation for the Cardinals should make bettors leery to pick a side in this game. If Thomas is forced to start, Washington becomes an intriguing play, but the better pick is the under, which has cashed in three of the last four meetings. Despite last week’s loss, Arizona’s defense is strong and has been called upon to carry the team in situations like this before at home.

The under is 2-0 in two home games for the Cardinals this year, while Washington struggled against a similar defense in a 17-6 road loss to the Houston Texans in the season opener. This game may not be as low-scoring, but points will be hard to come by as it stays under.

Trends

• Washington is 1-12 straight up in its last 13 games.
• Arizona is 1-5 ATS in its last six games when playing at home against Washington.

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line-move updates.