by Rod Pearson
Thursday, Sep 26, 2024
Game Time: 4:05 pm ET, Sunday, September 29, 2024
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Where to Watch: FOX
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Commanders +3.5, Cardinals -3.5; Over/Under: 50 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Commanders +3.5, Cardinals -3.5; Over/Under: 50.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Commanders +3.5, Cardinals -3.5; Over/Under: 50.5 points
Season Record
Washington Commanders: 2-1 (1st place, NFC East)
Arizona Cardinals: 1-2 (2nd place, NFC West)
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Recent Form
Washington Commanders: won their last game on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals 38-33.
Arizona Cardinals: lost their last game at home against the Detroit Lions 20-13.
Washington Commanders vs Arizona Cardinals Preview and Analysis
The Commanders are entering this game with a 2-1 record overall and they have a 1-0 record in their divisional games too. They are 1-0 in their home games, 1-1 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be on the road for this game. They won their last game against the Cincinnati Bengals 38-33. Jayden Daniels was the starting QB and he completed 21/23 passes for 254 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Jayden Daniels led the team in rushing yards with 39 and 1 TD. Terry McLaurin led the receivers with 100 receiving yards on 4 receptions and 1 TD. Bobby Wagner led the defense in that game with 7 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle while Javontae Jean-Baptiste led the defense in sacks with 1. No one on the defense came away with an interception for them in that one.
The Cardinals are entering this game with a 1-2 record overall and they have a 1-0 record in their divisional games too. They are 1-1 in their home games, 0-1 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at home for this game. They lost their last game against the Detroit Lions 20-13. Kyler Murray was the starting QB and he completed 21/34 passes for 207 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Kyler Murray led the team in rushing yards with 45. Michael Wilson led the receivers with 64 receiving yards on 8 receptions. Jalen Thompson led the defense in that game with 6 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles while Mack Wilson Sr. and Dante Stills each led the defense in sacks with 1. Dennis Gardeck came away with the only interception for them in that one.
Commanders vs Cardinals Prediction
The current betting odds have the Commanders listed as a 3.5 point underdog in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Commanders have looked good in their games this season with their 2-1 record overall. They opened the season with a bad loss to the Buccaneers on the road, but Jayden Daniels is really starting to figure things out in the NFL, now winning 2 games in a row. They are going to have a ton of momentum in this game too since they are coming off a big upset win on the road over the Bengals on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Cardinals haven't looked great in their games this season with their 1-2 record overall. They blew out the Rams at home 2 weeks ago right after a close loss to the Bills in Buffalo, but they didn't look as good last week in their 20-13 loss to the Lions. The offense has improved a lot this season, but the defense is still giving up a ton of points and that is going to be a problem in this game. Both of these teams have bad defenses and both have really good offenses with dual threat QBs who are going to find ways to move the ball. This could turn into a shootout just like the Monday night game the Commanders were in so it is best to take the points in a game with 2 bad defenses that could be decided by who has the last possession. The best way to place a bet here is on the Commanders to cover the spread in this game.
Commanders Cardinals Prediction: Our NFL Pick for Sunday, September 29, 2024 (4:05 pm ET start time) is Commanders 38 Cardinals 35.
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NFL Betting Trends
Washington Commanders: 4-8 ATS after allowing 30 points or more last game. 4-8 ATS versus good rushing teams - averaging 4.5 rushing yards/carry or more. 1-4 ATS against NFC West division opponents. 10-5 OVER as a road underdog. 7-2 OVER vs. good teams - outscoring opponents by 6+ PPG on the season. 6-2 OVER vs. good passing teams averaging 7 or more passing yards/att.
Arizona Cardinals: 6-2 ATS after scoring 14 points or less last game. 5-0 ATS against NFC East division opponents. 11-6 OVER in home games. 8-3 OVER versus good rushing teams - averaging 130 rushing yards/game or more. 9-4 OVER versus good offensive teams - averaging 350 yards/game or more.
Key Injuries
Washington Commanders: J. Crowder (WR) Injured - Rest. A. Ekeler (RB) Injured - Concussion. S. Cosmi (G) Injured - Achillees. B. St-Juste (CB) Injured - Chest. Z. Ertz (TE) Injured - Rest. C. Ferrell (DE) Injured - Knee. Q. Martin (DB) Injured - Elbow. E. Forbes (CB) Injured - Thumb. J. Newton (DT) Injured - Foot.
Arizona Cardinals: B. Baker (SAF) Injured - Quadricep. D. Gardeck (OLB) Injured - Finger. K. Tonga (DL) Injured - Knee. T. McBride (TE) Injured - Concussion. M. Harrison (WR) Injured - Quadricep. K. Beachum (OL) Injured - Hamstring. D. Stills (DL) Injured - Shoulder.
Notable Quotes
“He's a real cool customer, and he's got a real poise about him.” - Dan Quinn on Jayden Daniels after his team’s win against the Bengals in their last game.
“We didn't make enough plays in all three phases, that's what it came down to. I did think we battled, we fought. Coming out of halftime, we were resilient. If we keep playing like that, clean up some mistakes, we'll be back on track.” - Jonathan Gannon after his team’s loss against the Lions in their last game.
Starting Lineups
Washington Commanders
WR McLaurin, Terry
WR Brown, Dyami
WR McCaffrey, Luke
TE Ertz, Zach
QB Daniels, Jayden
RB Robinson Jr., Brian
Arizona Cardinals
WR Wilson, Michael
WR Harrison Jr., Marvin
WR Dortch, Greg
TE McBride, Trey
QB Murray, Kyler
RB Conner, James
Statistical Leaders
Washington Commanders
Passing: J. Daniels (664)
Rushing: B. Robinson (206)
Receiving: T. McLaurin (139)
Touchdowns: J. Daniels (3)
Arizona Cardinals
Passing: K. Murray (635)
Rushing: J. Conner (189)
Receiving: M. Harrison (198)
Touchdowns: M. Harrison (3)
Coaches:
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn (1st season)
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon (2nd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
