Cardinals vs. Redskins: Over/Under, Spread, Final Predictions, TV Info and More

The Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals meet in a clash of 1-0 teams looking to take early control of their divisions with a victory.

The Cardinals defense was torched by Cam Newton last week and will look to bounce back this week against Rex Grossman and the Redskins offense.

On the other side of the spectrum, Tim Hightower receives an opportunity for revenge against the team that opted to trade him during the preseason.

Where: FedEx Field (Landover, Maryland)

When: September 18th, 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Watch: Fox, DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel 709

Over/Under: 45

The Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins both put on solid offensive displays last week as each team recorded 28 points in a home victory.

Kevin Kolb looked solid as the new quarterback of the Cardinals, and should be able to put some points on the board this week after throwing for over 300 yards last week.

The Cardinals defense was quite shaky as they allowed rookie quarterback Cam Newton to throw for over 400 yards.

Grossman has topped the 300 yard mark in three of four games as a starter for the Redskins, and the offenses has looked effective. Look for the 'Skins to put up big numbers offensively this week, which should push this game over.

Spread: Washington Redskins (-4)

The trends don't exactly support either team in this matchup as the Redskins are 0-6 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games as a home favorite.

On the other side of things, the Cardinals are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven road contests.

However, the Redskins have done quite well to cover the spread in their last four regular season games with Rex Grossman at the helm. They have covered all four spreads with Grossman leading the way, so you would be correct to back the Redskins in this one.

As of right now, 61 percent of betters are backing the 'Skins according to TheSpread.com.

Key Injuries

For Arizona, running back LaRod Stephens-Howling is dealing with both a biceps injury and a hand injury heading into this game. He is currently listed a questionable. If he is unable to go this would be a bit of a loss, as they like to use him as a utility back on third downs and on kick returns.

The Washington Redskins have bigger injury concerns, with both coming on the defensive side of the ball.

Safety Laron Landry missed the team's opener due to a nagging hamstring injury, while Brian Orakpo injured his ankle in the game against the New York Giants.

If Landry and Orakpo both miss the game, expect some more holes to open up in the Redskins defense for Kolb and Beanie Wells.

Fantasy Big Plays

Larry Fitzgerald (Start 'em)

You can't bench Larry FItzgerald, even against DeAngelo Hall. Hall has been considered a top end corner for quite some time, which may make you shy away from Fitzgerald. However, he is extremely overrated according to ESPN insider Aaron Schatz,

"

He ranks 16th among cornerbacks in Scouts Inc.'s grades, and they say he had his most productive season in 2010. And it was his most productive year—if only interceptions matter.

But he consistently allows catches in front of him and gets burned deep, not just by stars but by guys like Arrelious Benn and Jason Hill. Our game charting recorded him with 10.0 adjusted yards per pass and a 41 percent adjusted success rate; both rank 81st among 89 cornerbacks.

"

If you were having any doubts, they are gone now.

Rex Grossman (Start 'em)

Yes, there you have it, start Sexy Rexy against the Cardinals. Obviously if you have Aaron Rodgers or another elite quarterback you shouldn't bench them.

However if you find yourself needing a quarterback (looking at those who drafted Peyton Manning), Grossman is a terrific option.

The Cardinals conceded over 400 yards to a quarterback who didn't impress much in the preseason, and will be torched by a much more efficient Grossman.

Since becoming the starting quarterback for the Redskins, Grossman has thrown for 300 yards in three of four regular season games and has nine touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Now would be the time to jump on the Grossman bandwagon.

Beanie Wells (Sit 'em)

The Redskins run defense is much improved from last season. They added Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen to the defensive line, which shut down Ahmad Bradshaw in the first game of the season.

Bradshaw picked up just 44 yards rushing in the game, while Brandon Jacobs added 29 yards.

Wells picked up a solid 90 yards and a touchdown against Carolina, but that's not much to boast about. The Panthers defense allowed over 1,900 yards rushing last season, and lost their best linebacker Jon Beason in the middle of the game.

Look for Wells to get shut down by the 'Skins defense this week.

Keys to Redskins Win

The Redskins need to run the ball well if they want to come away with a victory. They could have blown the Giants out last weekend if Hightower was able to pick up some more yards on the ground.

The team doesn't want to abandon the run this week and will likely let Hightower run loose against his former team. By running the ball and controlling the clock, the Redskins keep Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald on the sidelines.

Washington will also look to get pressure on Kevin Kolb early and often. They applied decent pressure onto Eli Manning last week, which was able to disrupt a big-time passing attack.

The Cardinals will look to do the same thing as the Redskins. They are going to want to pound the ball with Wells and try to keep what is becoming a very efficient offense off the field.

They need to get pressure on Grossman as well. If the Cardinals allow Grossman time to throw he will pick them apart all day long. The best way to force him into making a mistake is by getting pressure on him.

Involving Fitzgerald will also be a huge part of the Cardinals game plan. Fitzgerald is capable of beating Hall on every play, so the Cardinals must utilize that matchup with quick passes. If Kolb can get the ball out quick and avoid the pass rush, Arizona will be able to move the ball at will.

Prediction

 Washington 31, Arizona 21