10 NFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season

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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 11: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

8. Vegas’ faith in Arizona will pay off

The Arizona Cardinals are favored by one-point this weekend as they host the Washington Redskins. It’s been a quiet offseason from the Cardinals after they signed Twitter pin-cushion Sam Bradford, mostly because the general public is so low on the veteran. But the Cardinals are justified in being even a slight favorite in this matchup.

Bradford is an average but still effective quarterback when he’s on the field. He’s far from flashy and durable, but has a underrated cast around him that he’ll be able to take advantage of. It’s the distain for Bradford that has led to few talking about what’s a good overall starting roster in Arizona.

The Cardinals’ defense is especially intriguing against a Redskins offense that lacks a true go-to playmaker. New Redskins quarterback Alex Smith is a strange fit in Jay Gruden’s vertical passing attack, and the surrounding pieces don’t accent Smith’s talents either. Expect them to have some growing pains, while the Cardinals should be more equipped for early success.