Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins vs. Cardinals: Riggo’s Rag Week 1 Prediction Duel

By Matthew Valdovinos

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Wide Receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Wide Receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins sacks quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in the first quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins sacks quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in the first quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Ian’s Prediction

I’m going to pick the Redskins as well, but I don’t think it’s going to be as close as Matt suggests.

The Cardinals and Redskins are both teams that are “getting there”. The Redskins have a solid young core on defense, and a capable conductor at quarterback on offense. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have better top-end talent, while also maintaining stability at the game’s important position.

What separates the teams, however, is the play in the trenches. The Redskins have one of the better offensive lines in the league, and no matter how concerned one may be in the depth, the five starters are certainly more than adequate; two are All-Pro players at their positions.

Next. Predicting the Redskins inactives for Week 1. dark

Yes, you don’t want your backups to step on the field. But no one wants their backups to step on the field. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they’ll have no choice. Rookie center Mason Cole will be making his first career start, filling in for the injured A.Q. Shipley, and the rest of the line is average at best. The Redskins’ revamped defensive line should find a way to be disruptive, and I see that as the deciding factor.

Ian’s Prediction: Redskins win 23-14

Home/Commanders News