Redskins v. Cardinals: Duel In The Desert Staff Picks

Washington (6-4-1) goes on the road for the second of three straight away from Landover, to take on the Arizona Cardinals (4-6-1) in what feels like a must-win game for both sides.

Last week, our panel of “expert” staff writers went 4-5, with the majority incorrectly picking the Redskins over the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. For those of us (myself included) who begrudgingly picked correctly, it was tangible proof that being right does not always mean you will feel better than if you were wrong. This week, is more of a united front, and the only way this would feel more like a Redskins-centric site is if Larry Michael came on to tell us how the Redskins have the advantage in offense, defense, special teams AND intangibles.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on how you think the game will go in the comments below. Here is a look at our picks, thoughts, and unbridled optimism as the Redskins seek to maintain their spot in the playoff picture in Glendale:

Bryan H. Stabbe (1-0): 28-24, Redskins
This game feels like a must-win, but is also eminently winnable. The x-factor, much like last week, is whether Washington's defensive front can match up against one of the top running backs in the league. Offensively, I expect Vernon Davis and Jamison Crowder to have a big day, especially if Jordan Reed is limited or unable to play due to injuries sustained against Dallas.

HTTR4LIFE (1-0): 31-17, Redskins

Aaron Lesher (1-0): 30-20, Redskins
The Cardinals are one of the most disappointing teams this year. Carson Palmer has regressed to mediocrity and Bruce Arians can barely stay out of the hospital after decades filled with chili-cheese hot dogs and obscenity-laced tirades. The defense is the bright spot of this team, but the Cousins-Gruden Express has demonstrated they can put points up on anybody, even without Jordan Reed.

Arizona just got back from getting their asses handed to them in Atlanta so their season is pretty much over at 4-6-1. The Redskins pull away in the 4th quarter and win this one 30-20.

Tom Garrett (0-1): 28-24, Redskins
I was REALLY hoping the Cardinals would win last week. Arizona is a talented team that is now in a near-must-win situation. I'm terrified about what David Johnson might be able to do to the Washington defense (except he's my fantasy RB1, so whatever). Still, coming off of a mini-bye, I like the hot Redskins offense to top the Cardinals in Arizona.

HogHunter (0-1): 27-24, Redskins
Kirk Cousins faces a big test against a defense that hasn’t allowed 400 yards of offense all year. The Redskins have to win this game and I think they will with a better than expected game from the defense, and Maurice Harris’ first career TD catch.

Jen Filsinger (1-0): 24-20, Redskins

Alex Rowsey (0-1): 26-24, Redskins
I expect a close, hard-fought game between two teams scrapping and fighting to make the playoffs. Especially for the Cardinals, we're getting close to a time when their chances could be erased completely, so I expect they'll come out and play desperate. Still, the Redskins have the better, more talented team. They also have the better QB right now. With Kirk Cousins as hot as he is over the past month, it'd be extremely difficult to bet against him. In the end, the Redskins offense is just too good.

Chris Hess (0-0): 34-24, Redskins
Another big game for Preston Smith.

Ken Meringolo (0-1): 31-17, Redskins
The Redskins have been waiting for an opportunity like this: a limping Cardinals team that is all but out of life. We get to swing the hammer to pound the final nail into the coffin that is Arizona's season. Carson Palmer is a statue in the backfield and we will get to him. I am concerned about David Johnson doing his thing, but the Redskins should be able to knock Arizona from their perch as the league's #1-ranked total defense.

Now it’s your turn to give us your predictions. Submit your prediction in the CrowdsLine App, add your pick to the comment section below, and share who you think will win and why.