Previewing Sunday’s Cardinals at Rams NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets
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The Arizona Cardinals (5-9-1) and Los Angeles Rams (8-7) close their seasons this weekend, both without anything to play for other than pride as both have been eliminated from postseason contention. The Cardinals travel to Southern California for a Sunday afternoon kickoff (4:25 p.m. ET) at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the final game the Rams will play there.
Cardinals at Rams: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes
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- The Rams have beaten the Cardinals in five straight contests, outscoring them 164-32 and scoring more than 30 points in each game.
- The Cardinals have won two straight games and are coming off their best defensive performance of the season, beating the Seattle Seahawks 27-13 on the road and holding them to only 224 total yards.
- The Rams are allowing an average of 169.4 rushing yards in their last five games. The Cardinals have averaged 151.8 yards on the ground offensively in the same period, including more than 225 yards in each of their last two games.
- Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake has rushed for 303 yards and six touchdowns in his last two games.
- Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was sacked six times by the Rams in their last matchup on Dec. 1.
- Rams QB Jared Goff passed for 424 yards in the 34-7 win over the Cardinals and has had two touchdown passes in each of his last four games.
Cardinals at Rams: Key injuries
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (hamstring) is questionable for the game and will be a game-day decision.
Rams CB Jalen Ramsey (knee) has been ruled out of the season finale. T Andrew Whitworth (knee) did not practice until Friday but does not carry an injury designation.
Cardinals at Rams: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 2:10 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Rams 23, Cardinals 20
Moneyline (?)
The Rams are heavy favorites at –286. Considering their dominance over the Cardinals the Rams seem like a lock, even with no value. Arizona at +225, on the other hand, would provide a big payout.
However, you should AVOID this bet. The Cardinals are playing their best football and are still focused despite their record. The Rams could be flat after getting eliminated from postseason contention and may rest some veterans for some younger players.
New to sports betting? A $10 successful wager on the Rams to win outright would return a profit of $3.50.
Against the Spread (?)
The Rams are favored by nearly a touchdown at home at –6.5 (-110). The history between the two teams suggests the smart money is to take L.A. to cover that spread. But the Cardinals lean on a running attack led by a rejuvenated Kenyan Drake and are playing better defensively. Arizona has been an underdog in 14 of their 15 games this season but covered the spread nine times. The Rams have covered the spread in 10 of 15 games.
With the Cardinals still trying to prove themselves and the Rams having little to play for and expected to play younger players, take the CARDINALS +6.5 (-110) — even if Murray can’t go.
Over/Under (?)
The total is set at 44.5 points. Arizona’s games have gone under the total three of the last four times, while Rams games have gone under the total nine out of 15 times this season. Expect a lower-scoring game than normal from both teams. It will be close, but take the UNDER 44.5 (-106).
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