Just about everything that could’ve gone wrong has gone wrong for the Los Angeles Rams. Leading up to their final game of the season, a game they might have to win in order to make the playoffs depending on the Bears-Packers result, the Rams have lost three of their top offensive players to injuries and a positive COVID-19 test.
As a result, they’ll be without Jared Goff (thumb), Darrell Henderson (ankle), Cooper Kupp (COVID-19) and possibly Cam Akers (ankle) when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Because of these absences, the betting line for the season finale has completely flipped.
After opening as 1-point favorites over the Cardinals, the Rams are now 3-point underdogs at home, according to BetMGM. That’s a four-point swing in a matter of days, which is almost unheard of at sportsbooks.
The Over/Under has actually risen two points from 38.5 to 40.5, which could be the result of a large number of bets coming in on the Over. If a significant flow of bets also came in on the Cardinals +1, that could’ve helped shift the line, too, in an attempt to balance out the wagers.
Fortunately for the Rams, they aren’t necessarily eliminated from playoff contention if they lose on Sunday. If the Bears lose to Green Bay, the Rams will make the postseason, so L.A. has to hope Aaron Rodgers – the favorite to win NFL MVP – comes through on the road and knocks off Chicago.
The Packers are 5.5-point favorites over the Bears, so that’s a game many people expect Green Bay to win.
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