Betting Experts Pick Cardinals-Commanders Spread
The Arizona Cardinals close Week 1 as 7.5 point underdogs to the Washington Commanders, one of just two teams (along with the Houston Texans) who are 7+ point dogs heading into the season opener.
The Cardinals are reportedly expected to start Josh Dobbs at quarterback while wide receiver Marquise Brown is questionable to play with a hamstring injury, though he is expected to suit up.
Washington will start second-year quarterback Sam Howell to begin the season and will be without DE Chase Young (neck), though they did receive good news when WR Terry McLaurin (toe) was completely removed off Friday's injury report.
The time for talk is nearly over - who will win?
Or more importantly for bettors across the country, who will cover?
The internet makes their picks:
The Ringer: Commanders -7
Sheil Kapadia: "Pretty much everyone agrees that the Cardinals will be one of the NFL’s worst teams. You can’t go two days without seeing a new unflattering clip or story about head coach Jonathan Gannon. Arizona just traded for quarterback Joshua Dobbs a couple of weeks ago, and now he’s starting. Plus, their defense will stink.
"I don’t have the Commanders as a playoff team, but they at least have a bunch of professional players, and the vibes at FedEx Field for the first game of the post–Dan Snyder era will be good. Sam Howell and Ron Rivera to cover a seven-point spread? Honestly, I feel great about it.
"The pick: Commanders (-7)"
CBS Sports: Commanders -7
CBS Staff: "One of the model's strongest Week 1 NFL picks is that the Commanders (-7) cover against the Cardinals. Coming off a 4-13 record, Arizona is projected not to match last year's win total thanks to their offseason moves. Kyler Murray (knee) is still sidelined and DeAndre Hopkins was released, robbing the team of its two best offensive playmakers. Team leader J.J. Watt retired, taking his 12.5 sacks with him, and the defense doesn't return a single player who had more than three sacks last season.
"On the other hand, Washington appears to be a team on the rise, finishing the 2022 season on a 7-4-1 run. The Commanders had the No. 1-ranked third-down defense, and that strength should be apparent versus the inexperienced quarterback Arizona will start. The model projects Washington to end many Arizona drives early as it forecasts the Commanders to have three sacks and two takeaways. Arizona isn't equipped to overcome those setbacks as the advanced model has the Commanders (-7) covering in well over 50% of simulations."
USA Today: Cardinals +7
Jess Root: "The Commanders were 8-8-1 ATS last season; the Cardinals were 8-9 ATS.
"Arizona’s starting defense did not allow a point in limited preseason action and the Commanders are projected to have the league’s worst scoring offense by ESPN. Arizona’s offense will struggle against Washington’s tough defensive front but the Commanders will also struggle to score points.
"I’m expecting a low-scoring close game.
"BET CARDINALS +7 (-110)."
