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Redskins vs. Cardinals: 5 Bold predictions for NFL Week 1

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins stretches before the start of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins stretches before the start of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes past linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes past linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

4. Adrian Peterson eclipses 100 yards against his former team

Some will be shocked by this prediction. Others will not be. Peterson is one of the most polarizing players on the Redskins right now, as some believe him to be the true lead back while others expect him to merely be a flash in the pan. It’s unclear what he will be this year.

That said, there is some history to Peterson, and that could help him play well at least to open the season.

Our own Ian Cummings identified Peterson as one of the players to watch in this week’s game, and he said the following of what Peterson currently offers the squad.

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"Peterson was once the best player in the entire NFL. But those days are far behind us now. In 2018, Peterson is a 33-year old running back with a less-than-ideal injury history and a very average 2017 stat line. He showed flashes of his former self with the Cardinals, but consistency was a rare commodity. That said, the Redskins’ offensive line is a clear cut above that of Arizona, and Peterson should be able to work his magic, if he can stay healthy. Health has always been the biggest question with Peterson, and it’s a question that’s not going to go away anytime soon. With as much contact as Peterson’s accrued over his affluent career, the next snap is never a sure thing."

Those are all excellent points and they are exactly why I think that Peterson’s success will either be fleeting or inconsistent this year. But, in the first game when he’s looking to establish himself as the lead back in the pecking order, I expect him to come out strong and put up a vintage performance. He might not consistently break long runs, but getting over 100 yards would do a lot to quell concerns about the Redskins RB room.

I’m not sold that this will happen. And if it does, it may be one of the very few times this year that he manages too. There’s no reason that Peterson can’t find success in Week 1, but it will be interesting to see if he can meet this lofty standard.

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