Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Redskins: Preview, prediction

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) calls a play at the line of scrimmage as Atlanta Falcons defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) is shown in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals return home Sunday to face the Washington Redskins

The Arizona Cardinals absolute last chance to remain in the NFL playoff hunt takes place on Sunday as they host the current NFC six-seed in the playoff race, the Washington Redskins.

It will be the first time the two teams have played since the Skins came to the desert two years ago and lost 30-20. However the Skins won the previous eight meetings between the two teams. This is just the second time the Redskins will have played the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.

What: Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Redskins

When: Sunday December 4th 2:25 p.m.

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ

TV: FOX 10 (Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman)

Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Dave Pasch, Ron Wolfley); Sirius/XM 226, Internet 800 (Cardinals feed), Sirius/XM 229, Internet 831 (Redskins feed)

With just five games left and two games behind the Redskins in the standings, a loss should eliminate any playoff talk that still remains for the Cardinals. A win, it is still at least part of the discussion for another week.

Most people believe the Cardinals realistic chances when by the wayside after losses the past two weeks to the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons. A lot can still happen in this unpredicable year however.

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a one handed catch against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Poole (34) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals offense has been able to move the move over the last couple of weeks. Although the offensive line has been suspect at times, the stat sheet still indicates the Cardinals can win most football games they participate in.

The trouble has been staying consistent and getting consistent performances. Receivers Michael Floyd and John Brown have had trouble on and off the field. Neither has been able to remain 100 percent healthy. Floyd’s dropped passes have been well chronicled.

On Sunday, the Cardinals will face one of the more talked about cornerbacks in the NFL. Josh Norman, who came to Washington after spurning the Carolina Panthers in the offseason, has had his moments. He can be beat though.

The Redskins have also had recent difficulty stopping the run. The Cardinals need to take full advantage of the Skins rushing defense and give the ball to David Johnson at least 25 times on the ground.

Not much can be said for their pass defense either over the past few weeks, however the Cardinals would be wise to run the ball not only because they are facing a poor rushing defense but it also helps with clock management.

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) waves to fans before their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals defense has had its ups and downs. They gave up 38 points to the Falcons last week. This only a month after giving up just nine points total over a two-week period.

Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu is doubtful once again. His shoulder injury will likely keep him from playing on Sunday.

That is a great opportunity for Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins to take advantage of a very inconsistent secondary. Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger has played well but safety Tony Jefferson and cornerback Patrick Peterson have both struggled at times. Peterson was flagged for two huge pass interference calls last week.

The Redskins didn’t get much production out of running back Robert Kelley against the Dallas Cowboys last week, carrying the ball 14 times for just 37 yards. It will be interesting to see how they manage against the Cardinals.

The Redskins will be without tight end Jordan Reed. That is a huge loss for the Redskins, particularly against a team that struggles covering tight ends. Look for a lot of action from receivers DeSean Jackson and Jamison Crowder.

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) warms up before their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

So, what will happen on Sunday? It is anyone’s guess. The standings say the Redskins win this one. Las Vegas has the Cardinals as home favorites.

Best guess? It will be another close game. It will come down to who makes the fewer mistakes. Some teams can get away with making a number of mistakes and still winning. That was last year’s Cardinals. They got away with most of the mistakes they made. Not this year.

Look for a possible shootout. Both offenses can move the ball. The big question is who can put the ball in the end zone? The Cardinals need to come out like they did last week in Atlanta. This time however maintaining that offensive flow for more than one drive would be prudent.

Look for the Cardinals to still find some struggles on the defensive side of the ball. They will come home and finally find another win however. Cardinals 38 Redskins 31