Posted on 10/20/2007 11:37:44 AM

NFL Betting Odds - Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins

By Charles Jay

BetUS NFL betting odds: Washington -9, Total: 35.5

NOTABLE STAT: Washington's defense allowing just 80 rushing yards per game

KEY NFL BETTING TREND: Washington has played five straight under the total

The Arizona Cardinals are traveling to FedEx Field in suburban Washington D.C. to take on the Redskins in a game where both teams will be tackling some extraordinary offensive problems. The Redskins will be favored by 9.5 points on the NFL betting line at BetUS, with the total listed at 35.5 points (Game time is 1 PM ET).

Arizona (3-3 SU, 3-2-1 ATS), which was going with a two-quarterback system for a little while that was working pretty well, lost backup-turned-starter Kurt Warner during last Sunday's 25-10 losing effort as a six-point favorite against Carolina. In stepped Tim Rattay, a seven-year veteran who was last seen as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' last resort as a starter last season. Rattay completed 12 of 24 passes for just 159 yards and was intercepted three times, but having just signed a contract during the week, he was completely unfamiliar with the system and personnel. That problem still exists, particularly because Rattay is basically a West Coast offense QB and the Cards don't play that way. Of course, working parts still function, such as Edgerrin James (522 yards on four yards per carry), but because of Washington's prowess in the secondary, that's going to allow them to do some one-on-one coverage of a receiving corps that is just bringing Anquan Boldin back from a hip injury, and center on stacking the line to stop James. Therein lies the problem for Rattay.

Washington (3-2 SU, 2-1-2 ATS) is all of a sudden having a nightmarish season on the offensive line. Jon Jansen was lost for the season, Todd Wade is hurt, center Casey Rabach is suffering from a groin injury, and widespread shifting is necessary. Some of this has prevented the Redskins from being able to lean on their bread-and-butter running game (just 3.7 yards an attempt), and QB Jason Campbell (59%) may thus find himself vulnerable to Arizona's pass rush, which has had a good year (16 sacks). Santana Moss, the biggest threat on the outside, has been hampered by a hamstring injury, and was so ineffective in last Sunday's game against Green Bay that he actually benched himself. Washington allows just 80 rushing yards a game, and holds opposing quarterbacks to 5.3 yards an attempt and two TD passes total, as it has also registered 15 sacks. Only a freak fumble return for a touchdown by Charles Woodson stood between them and a victory last week at Lambeau Field. The 17-14 loss was a point spread push.

Arizona has done relatively well from a technical standpoint. The Cards have covered their last four games as a double-digit underdog (just in case it gravitates to that point), and are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall. Washington is 1-4-1 ATS the last six times they have been favored at home.

Most importantly, though, the Redskins have played five straight unders and just two of their last 11 games over the posted total, and the setup for this game indicates that a very important element on each offense will be out of whack. Look for a game played relatively close to the vest, with each trying to establish a rushing attack. Both defenses are capable; both offenses erratic.

JAY'S PLAY: UNDER 35.5

> > Check Week 7 Odds Here

The 2007 NFL betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The BetUS sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!

(Charles Jay of TotalActionExtra.com is a member of the NFL too - that is, "not for long" if you don't get results. He is now a regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room)