The Los Angeles Rams (1-1) have their first divisional matchup of the year on the road in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals (1-1) Sunday. Kickoff from State Farm Arena is at 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rams vs. Cardinals odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Super Bowl champion defending Rams kicked off the season looking completely overmatched in a 31-10 season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills. They turned things around offensively in Week 2 but nearly gave up a 28-3 lead to the Atlanta Falcons, holding on for a 31-27 win capped with an end zone interception by CB Jalen Ramsey.
The Cardinals looked like perhaps the worst team in the NFL for the first 6 quarters of their season. They allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to roll up 488 yards of offense in their opener, as QB Patrick Mahomes threw 5 touchdown passes in a 44-21 win over Arizona.
The Las Vegas Raiders built a 20-0 halftime lead with 258 yards of offense in Week 2. However, Arizona rallied back to beat the Raiders 29-23 in overtime. QB Kyler Murray became the first player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass, rush for a touchdown, score a 2-point conversion run and have a 2-point conversion pass.
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Rams at Cardinals odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Rams -180 (bet $180 to win $100) | Cardinals +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rams -3.5 (-110) | Cardinals +3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Rams at Cardinals key injuries
Rams
- C Brian Allen (knee) out
- S Jordan Fuller (hamstring) questionable
- WR Van Jefferson (knee) out
- CB David Long (hamstring) out
Cardinals
- RB James Conner (ankle) questionable
- WR Rondale Moore (hamstring) out
[the_huddle]
Rams at Cardinals picks and predictions
Prediction
Cardinals 27, Rams 24
Money line
The Rams have had the Cardinals’ number in recent years. Since coach Sean McVay took the reins in 2017, the Rams have won 10 of 11 matchups, including a 34-11 win in the 1st round of the playoffs last year. The Cardinals have not defeated the Rams at home since 2014.
The Cardinals did beat the Rams in their first meeting last year and lost by a touchdown in their second regular-season meeting.
Arizona seemed to find its rhythm in the second half of its last game and is getting healthier, while Los Angeles is dealing with an ailing secondary.
Against an ailing Rams secondary, I like the Cardinals in an upset win. Take the CARDINALS (+155).
Against the spread
The Rams have failed to cover the spread in either of their games this season; the Cardinals are 1-1 ATS.
The L.A. defense has forced 7 takeaways in 2 games but QB Matthew Stafford has thrown 5 interceptions. Arizona has only turned over the ball once.
The Cardinals should be able to move the ball through the air and limit the pass rush with the losses in the secondary for the Rams.
This should be a down-to-the-wire matchup.
Take the CARDINALS +3.5 (-110).
Over/Under
Both regular-season games last year had totals of more than 50 points.
Both of the Cardinals’ outings this season have hit the Over.
The Rams will get into a high-scoring affair with the back-end of their secondary hurting.
Take OVER 48.5 (-108).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this NFL game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]