The Arizona Cardinals need about 1,000 things to go right to have a chance at making the playoffs this season. The only thing they can control is winning in Week 15 over the Washington Redskins, but that in itself is going to be a tough task.
The Cardinals have won two of their past three games but enter this one as underdogs. Both teams have been ravaged by injuries this season, but the Redskins still have their starting quarterback in Kirk Cousins. The Cardinals’ Carson Palmer will be watching from the sidelines and the team will hope Blaine Gabbert can help pull off the upset.
Washington has lost six of its past eight games after a solid start but will be favored to break that streak against Arizona.
Watch this regular season Week 15 matchup live on Sunday, December 17, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at FedEx Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arizona Cardinals +4
Washington Redskins -4
Over/Under 43
Odds Analysis
The Cardinals pulled off a pair of upsets in the past three weeks as the underdog and will aim to do so once again here. The betting public is on board for at least a cover, as more than 73 percent of the action is on the Cardinals to beat the spread.
The scoring total seems pretty fair as a little bit more action is on the “under” but not an overwhelming amount.
Injury Report
Jared Veldheer — The Cardinals’ left tackle has been placed on injured reserve with a fractured ankle. He was playing the spot because the team’s starting left tackle, D.J. Humphries, was previously placed on injured reserve. Arizona will roll out backups at both tackle spots, which is a scary proponent on the road.
Jordan Reed — The Redskins’ star tight end hasn’t played since late October, and his season officially ended this week when he was placed on injured reserve. Reed is extremely talented but has been bogged down by injuries his entire career, A hamstring injury did him in this time.
Adrian Peterson — The Cardinals’ running back has missed the past two games with a neck injury and his status is up in the air. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Kerwynn Williams starts for a third straight game. Williams has rushed the ball effectively the past two weeks.
John Brown — The Cardinals’ wide receiver has a turf toe injury. He is going to try to practice this week but it’s unknown if he will be ready to play. Brown has been sidelined by a variety of injuries the past two seasons.
Matchup To Watch
Cardinals’ offense vs. Washington defense -- Arizona beat the Titans last time out but managed only 12 points. Blaine Gabbert had two strong starts when given the reins this season but has been inconsistent each of the last two weeks.
He will aim to get back on track, and will have that chance in this one. The Redskins are allowing 26.5 points per game, and have not been very good at stopping the run this season.
The Cardinals’ offense has struggled for much of the season, and it won’t be easy with so many backups taking big roles. Washington should win this matchup, but the Redskins have also given up bunches of points in recent weeks, so it’s not a given the unit does well.
Free ATS Pick
The Cardinals have the superior record and have been better lately, but the injuries will catch up to them in this one. Cousins might not have many weapons left because of injuries but he should be able to score enough points to help his team come away with the victory.
However, the spread is crucial as the Cardinals should be able to keep this close the whole way. Take the Redskins to win, but Arizona is the pick to cover the spread.
NFL Odds: Redskins 20, Cardinals 17
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